The University of Queensland is now accepting expressions of interest for its newly announced Molecular Maverick Award.
The award will recognise and support PhD students in chemistry-related disciplines who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial potential.
It also celebrates individuals who are passionate about their research and driven to translate their discoveries into innovative and impactful business solutions.
Professor James De Voss from UQ's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) said the Molecular Maverick Award is about more than just recognition of academic achievement.
“This award is a call to action for final-year PhD students at UQ who are eager to break free from traditional academic boundaries,” he said.
“We’re seeking students entering their final year in chemistry-related PhDs who are driven by curiosity and the passion to build scalable technology-based solutions across industry sectors.
“These are students who see science as more than a field of study – as a gateway to creating change that will reshape enterprise and benefit society at large.”
Professor De Voss highlighted the importance of the award in fostering innovation beyond academia.
"The Molecular Maverick Award is an opportunity for our brightest minds to showcase their research and demonstrate how they would turn that research into something tangible that can make a real difference in the world," he said.
"We want to empower our students to be leaders in the lab and in the broader business community as well."
The award officially launched at the annual School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Industry Breakfast, rallying community leaders around supporting the students who have the potential to receive it.
The vision is for it to grow to a high-value, coveted award on the scale of some of the most prestigious international prizes.
A pitch event is slated for early 2025, where candidates will have the opportunity to show how they embody the spirit of a Molecular Maverick and what they would do to advance their research, with a minimum of $5,000 in prize money in 2025.
The event will also serve as a networking platform, connecting students with mentors, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
Pitches will be evaluated by an entrepreneurial and senior academic panel, with innovation, leadership, and business acumen all key traits to be considered.
Founding donor, Dr Peter Kambouris, said student expressions of interest should capture the essence of innovative vision, their curiosity-driven enterprise ideas, and how they plan to create change in industry.
“Applicants will be encouraged to detail how they intend to use their research to make a lasting impact,” Dr Kambouris said.
"This award isn't just about what you've accomplished so far - it's about where you're going next.
“We want to support those who dare to think differently and who are ready to take their next big step."
Media: UQ Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 438 162 687.
