Envirolab Group is delighted to announce its continued sponsorship of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute's (RACI) Ochre Award for the second consecutive year. The award recognises the contributions of Indigenous Australians to the field of chemistry and aims to encourage a passion for science across communities.
The Ochre Award, which was introduced in 2022, is open to Indigenous Australians or Torres Strait Islanders who are members of RACI for at least six months and have a genuine interest in chemistry. High school students are also eligible to apply if their school is an affiliate member of RACI.
In its first year of offering, William Frazer, a Wiradjuri man, was the 2022 winner. Having grown up on Bundjalung country (Casino, Northern NSW), William has been actively involved in the National Indigenous Science Education Program since his early high school years. Initially learning about traditional bush medicines, climate, and ecological practices passed down by Indigenous peoples for millennia, William applied this knowledge in his capstone unit, adapting methods for chemistry experiments on native plants to test for properties such as starch and pH, which were later used at Macquarie University’s Bush University in Arnhem Land.
Currently, William works for Inside Policy, a social research and evaluation company dedicated to improving government programs and policies for Aboriginal people. He is committed to continuing his work in community engagement and knowledge sharing, including science communication.
William Frazer (right) receiving the Ochre Award as the 2022 recipient. Image Credit: RACI (2022).
Envirolab Group is committed to supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity within the chemistry community. The company is proud to continue its sponsorship of the Ochre Award in 2023 and is excited to support the next generation of chemists. More information is available on the 2023 Ochre Award application process.
About the Ochre Award
Established in 2022, the Ochre Award is aimed as an encouragement for First Nations Australians in recognition of a passion for Chemistry.
The name of the award, "Ochre," is derived from the natural clay pigment traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for ceremonial purposes such as body painting and rock art. The Australian environment is rich in ochre, which is predominantly composed of Ferric oxide. Brown Ochre FeO(OH), Yellow Ochre FeO(OH).nH2O, and Red Ochre Fe2O3 are among the most common forms. This scientific process is just one of many and solidifies that the First Nations people were truly Australia’s first chemists.
Envirolab Group encourages everyone to support diversity and inclusivity in science and to learn more about the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Australians to the field of chemistry.
About RACI
Founded in 1917 and incorporated as an association in 2000, the RACI is a professional body for chemical sciences and supports the needs, education and interests of its members.
For more information and to get involved, visit the RACI website.