Six exceptional early-career researchers have been awarded prestigious Forrest Scholarships focusing on environmental conservation, theoretical physics, inclusive science communication and the impact of AI on recruitment practices.
Arthur Blackwood, who has a Master of Science in Conservation Science and Practice from Imperial College London, will be based at The University of Western Australia, where aims to integrate human behaviour models into social-ecological frameworks to improve the evaluation of protected areas.
Also based at UWA, Emma Gill will explore how science communication education and training can be better understood, supported and taught in Australia and globally to be more inclusive to a cross-section of populations.
Dylan MacGregor will join the School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences at Murdoch University to investigate the taxonomy, evolution and ecology of invertebrates in Australian salt lakes and groundwater.
Based at Curtin University, Kyna Schrick will compute accurate quantum scattering cross sections of charged atoms. The data will enable proton beam therapy for cancer treatment as well as support fusion and astrophysics research.
Clément Tremblin will join the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research at Edith Cowan University to investigate if and how WA seagrasses are being impacted by climate change.
Also joining Curtin University, Georgia Humphry will focus on how generative AI tools can impact the selection process for full-time work, from the perspective of both candidates and employers.
Professor James Arvanitakis, Director of the Forrest Research Foundation, said the calibre of applicants was outstanding and reflected the highly sought-after nature of the Foundation's development program.
"The Forrest PhD Scholarship program has built a global reputation for attracting the brightest academic minds from around the world to undertake cutting-edge research at one of WA's five universities," Professor Arvanitakis said.
"We're excited to welcome these new scholars into our community of over 50 researchers at Forrest Hall and look forward to the significant contributions they will make not only to the WA community but also to their respective fields.
"As a global centre of discovery, innovation, and creativity, the Forrest Research Foundation is dedicated to tackling the world's greatest challenges through pioneering research."
