Nominations for 2006 are now open

Nominations close Tuesday 18 April 2006

The 16 nominees will be selected by the Fresh Innovators Selection committee, which comprises a combination of scientists, engineers, media representatives and science communicators.

The committee is looking for Fresh Innovators who can tell an interesting story about their innovation in everyday language. The initial selection will be made on the basis of the nomination form submitted. This means the language on the form will be used as a guide to the ability of the nominee to communicate in plain English.

Please note that the committee will select the Fresh Innovators not only on quality of their work, but also on interest and presentation. Our selection will also include a spread of topics, gender, and States.

The successful Fresh Innovators are likely to have extensive media coverage in Australia and possibly some stories overseas. If you haven't already done so, you should consult with your intellectual property advisors to ensure you have appropriate protection before you nominate. 

Selection criteria

1. Your innovation must have been developed in Australia or by an Australian.

2. You must include references demonstrating the utility of your innovation. If it’s a scientific development, is there peer review or other evidence of its utility? If it’s a gadget has it been trialled, is there a market for it, is it already being sold, has it been patented? We need to see that your innovation is functional and on the track to making a difference in the community.
 

3. You and your innovation must not have had significant media coverage.
 

4. You must demonstrate your capacity to liaise with commercial partners and other end users.
 

5. You must demonstrate your ability to present your innovation to a lay audience in an informative, interesting and visual way.
 

6. Your innovation must be cleared for presentation to the public and the media. It is your responsibility to consult with your commercial partners and to ensure that you have appropriate intellectual property clearance and protection. All participants in Fresh Innovators will be talking to the media about their invention.
 

7. Research teams may nominate, but a single person who has played a substantial role in the research must be named as spokesperson. Only she /he will be invited to present the work.

8. You must be willing to give talks upon your return home from the Fresh Innovators program.
 

9. Preference will be given to innovators in the early stages of their career and without an established media profile. For researchers, this would normally mean within 5 years of their PhD. There is no age limit – the emphasis is early career. If you are 70 and this is your first invention, we would welcome your nomination.

Nominations will only be accepted on the Fresh Innovators nomination form – available here.

Nominations close Tuesday 18 April 2006.