Bright minds shine in Penrith as students are recognised with prestigious award

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

The prestigious Victor Chang School Science Awards are being presented to 22 Year 11 students from Penrith region for excellence in the field of science.

The prestigious Victor Chang School Science Awards are being presented to 22 Year 11 students from Penrith region for excellence in the field of science.

Showing promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), these bright students continue to challenge themselves in the classroom, despite current trends.

As Australia's student performance and international ranking in school science continues to decline[1], Penrith students' interest and commitment to STEM continues to soar. 

Named after the late cardiac surgeon and pioneer of modern heart transplantation, Dr Victor Chang, these awards were established to celebrate young, gifted students and to foster growth in scientific studies.

The Victor Chang School Science Awards help raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists can make to our everyday lives.

The students will be acknowledged at a ceremony at Penrith Civic Centre attended by Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM.

"I congratulate the students receiving these awards, and thank the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute for recognising these bright young minds," Cr Fowler said.

"Science drives innovation in almost every field and is at the forefront of social and cultural change with Australia being at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and invention.

"For any young person with an interest in science, Penrith is a great place to be. A $5 billion Science Park is planned for Luddenham. We're already home to the world class Western Sydney University and The Quarter - a precinct that includes the university, Nepean Hospital, Sydney University Clinical School and TAFE.

"As Mayor, it's really exciting to know Penrith will be a leading centre of scientific education, research and endeavour," Cr Fowler said.

Dr Anita Ayer from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute believes that by guiding and encouraging these students to consider a career in STEM, the legacy of Australian discovery will only become stronger. 

"By nurturing these inquisitive scientific minds, we are cementing a strong future for Australian research. We've got such a proud history of discovery and it's through students like these, that the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics will continue to flourish in Australia."

"As a scientist you not only contribute to building knowledge and understanding, but you're also a driver in economic, environmental, health, social and technological advances. The opportunities are truly endless," Dr Ayer explained.

The winners will join more than 200 students from across NSW on a tour of the Victor Chang Institute, and have the opportunity to learn first-hand from our world-renowned scientists.

Event Details:

What:  Victor Chang School Science Awards, Penrith region

When:  Thursday, 29 November 2018

Where:  Penrith Civic Centre

Time:  Ceremony commences at 6pm, interviews to follow

Who:   22 students from 22 schools across Penrith (see list below)
          Dr Anita Ayer, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
          Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM

About the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute: The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is dedicated to finding cures for cardiovascular disease and has earned its place on the global stage as one of the most respected heart research facilities in the world. Renowned for the quality of its breakthroughs, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute uses innovative transplantation techniques and conducts complex molecular and genetic analysis, to discover better ways to diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent the onset of heart disease. www.victorchang.edu.au

Recipients from Penrith City Council

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 21 November 2018.