The Pitch it clever awards shine a spotlight on early-career researchers from across Australia’s universities whose research has the power to solve difficult problems, create opportunities and enhance communities and the nation.
The Chief Executive of Universities Australia, Catriona Jackson, said that researchers through their work do incredible things, both here at home and indeed across the world.
“Australian research changes lives. It has led to innovative breakthroughs and new industries. It has led to improvements in everything from crop yields to advances in health care,” Ms Jackson said.
“Australian research helped us through the worst of COVID-19 – from work to sequence the virus and develop vaccines to responding to the social, economic and psychological impacts of the pandemic.
“Our research system is one of the best in the world and this year’s entries further highlight that point.
“I encourage everyday Australians to engage with the People’s Choice awards, vote for their favourite research story and celebrate the initiative and knowledge that starts on campus.
“There are plenty of bright ideas to choose from – from uncovering ways to build climate resilient communities to exploring methods to overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy.”
People’s Choice voting will close on 28 June with the successful pitch to be showcased and awarded at the Universities Australia Conference dinner on 6 July.
Two-minute video summaries of each research project and how to vote information can be found at pitchitclever.com.au.
