Emerging researchers win big at the annual Big Science Pitch
Up-and-coming researchers at the University of Melbourne battled it out for their share of $110,000 during the annual Big Science Pitch, held on 13 November.
With just three minutes to present their idea, scientists addressed topics as wide ranging as using mathematical models to predict the transmission of mpox, to what measures could be taken to protect and preserve the corroboree frog population for a chance to win funding to pursue their projects.
The event was hosted by science communications expert, Dr Jen Martin, alongside a judging panel comprised of Professor Moira O’Bryan, Dean of Science; Belinda Smith, Senior Science reporter at ABC Science; Phil Gardner, Associate Director, External Communications at the University of Melbourne; and Dr Laura Bibiana Ospina Rozo, the 2023 winner of the Big Science Pitch.
Big Science Pitch finalists and judges
All finalists received $10,000 towards their projects, and the judging panel awarded additional prizes based on the innovation, delivery and overall impact of the pitches. Beloved Australian author Tim Winton, patron of the Native Australian Animals Trust, also awarded the ‘Winton’s Choice’ award for the most outstanding pitch from the School of BioSciences.
Viewers at home also joined in on the fun, participating in a live Q&A with presenters, playing trivia as the judges deliberated, and placing their own vote for their favourite presentation, to name the ‘People’s Choice’ award winner.
The winners:
- First place: Rebecca Webb, Melbourne Veterinary School, ‘A frog friendly way to fight fungal infections’
- Second place: Felipe Martelli Soares Da Silva, School of BioSciences, ‘Protecting non-pest insects from climate change and pesticides’. Felipe also won the Winton’s Choice Award, and the People’s Choice Award.
- Third place: Veronique Paris, School of BioSciences, ‘Reclaiming our backyards: New avenues to sustainable mosquito control’
Watch the full video below: