Envirolab Group is delighted to announce that the 2023 applications and nominations for the Royal Australian Chemical Institute's (RACI) Ochre Award are now open and RACI will be accepting entries between 1 April until 30 June 2023. The organisation is honoured to sponsor this award for the second consecutive year and is looking forward to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders who have a keen interest in Chemistry.
This year, we encourage you to apply or nominate someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions in this field. To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a financial member of RACI for at least six months and of Indigenous Australian or Torres Strait Islander descent. High school students can also apply if their school is an affiliate member of RACI.
The applications will be evaluated based on the beneficial or innovative use of the prize money relating to science. We believe this award will inspire and encourage more Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders to pursue careers in Chemistry and contribute to the advancement of the scientific community.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be recognised for your hard work, dedication and passion for science. Submit your application or nominate someone today. Applications close on 30 June 2023. Details about the award and entry is available on the RACI National Ochre Award information page. More information and other available awards for a variety of other categories can also be found on RACI's Awards page.
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.