Science researchers should be aware that a wide range of science prizes are currently open for nomination – including the 2021 Unsung Hero Awards of South Australian Science.

These awards – a joint initiative of National Science Week SA and the Australian Science Communicators SA – aim to recognise those whose contributions have been significant over a long period of time but who have not yet received formal public recognition for their contribution to science or science communication.

Applications close on 18 June and applications can be lodged online.

Researchers should also be aware of the beneficial Fresh Science 2021 campaign. If you know any early-career researchers who have peer-reviewed results that haven’t yet received any publicity, encourage them to nominate them for Fresh Science, a national competition that helps early-career researchers find their science story and share it.

Successful researcher applicants will receive a day of media training followed by the chance to share their work with peers at the pub. Their work will be profiled online, promoted by social media and, for some, the mainstream media. In some states, they will also get an introduction to talking to business and government and learn how to pitch.

Fresh Science is looking for:

• early-career researchers (from honours students to no more than five years post-PhD)
• a peer-reviewed discovery that has had little or no media coverage
• some ability to present ideas in everyday English.

Nominations for Fresh Science 2021 close at 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 29 July.