Research Awards Winners Announced

This World Space Week EOS and the Andy Thomas Space Foundation are proud to be inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers as it today announces the winners of its EOS Space Systems Research Awards, Program 1 of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Fund.

Lauren Fell, Sabrina Slimani, Skevos Karpathakis, and Joshua Critchley-Marrows selected for their outstanding research project proposals in the fields of space science and engineering will each be awarded a $10,000 prize.

Applicants were required to submit a short research project proposal outlining their motivation, expected results and discuss the potential impact their project may have on the space science community.

Project proposals include:

• Quantum-like Holistic Modelling of Trust Decisions in Mars-Analogue Conditions: (Lauren Fell);
• Using Entangled Photons to Remotely Synchronise Clocks, (Sabrina Slimani);
• Coherent Free Space Optical Communications and Atmospheric Stabilisation System Development, (Skevos Karpathakis);
• A Return to the Stars in an Age of Navigation Uncertainty, (Joshua Critchley-Marrows).

Speaking at a special online event bringing the winners together for the announcement, Craig Smith, CEO for EOS Space Systems said, “EOS has long been committed to developing the next generation of space scientists and engineers to ensure the success and sustainability of the space Industry in Australia. These awards are one way that we try to promote excellence and inclusiveness in STEM studies. The awards assessment panel was delighted by the quality of responses received, the high calibre of applicants, well-crafted entries, as well as the novelty and practicality of the projects proposed. We look forward to following the projects as they progress and to outcomes that promise to make significant contributors to science and engineering in Australia.”

Nicola Sasanelli AM, Foundation CEO for The Andy Thomas Space Foundation said, “The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is committed to promoting and supporting the highest quality space activities in Australia to drive progress in education and innovation. In 2021 the Foundation has established the Education Fund with $230,000 over seven programs. Working with EOS has been an excellent synergic work experience promoting new research ideas and fostering the workforce of the future.”

EOS has contributed significantly to STEM academia directly funding $20 million in Commonwealth-sponsored research over the past five years and continues to invest in STEM initiatives.

Last month the company announced the establishment of an EOS Professorial Chair in Laser Physics at the University of South Australia (UniSA). The Chair will create two postdoctoral positions and establish a world leading research and teaching group in areas closely aligned to core EOS capabilities in Space Domain Awareness for the tracking, classification and characterisation of objects in space. The UniSA Chair joins another permanent Chair that EOS established last year at the University of Queensland in the areas of Microwave and Photonic Engineering and Applied Electromagnetics.

EOS also has its Scholarships for Future Excellence in STEM program created last year in partnership with the One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, available to high school students, students in tertiary education and recent graduates with a recognised passion or talent for STEM.