The
Tall Poppy Campaign recognises the wealth of Australian
scientific and intellectual excellence through the
Tall Poppy and Young Tall Poppy Science awards. The
national campaign promotes a greater appreciation
of all our Tall Poppies and encourages younger Australians
to follow in their footsteps.
Objectives
The
Tall Poppy is a metaphor for excellence and endeavour.
It symbolises Australia's pride in its outstanding
achievers in all fields. The objectives of the campaign
are to:
Develop an Australian culture
which celebrates achievement rather than cuts
down the individual.
Encourage innovation and
creativity.
Promote the tall poppy emblem
as an image of national pride.
Increase investment by government
and industry in Australian science and other areas
of intellectual achievement.
Increase community awareness
of Australian achievements both past and present.
History
The Tall Poppy Campaign was created by the Australian Institute of Policy & Science (AIPS) during the celebrations for the centenary of the birth of Australian Nobel Prize winning scientist Sir Howard Florey in 1998. In 1999 the campaign promoted the work of Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, Dame Jean Macnamara, and Sir Ian Clunies Ross and in 2002/2003, the life of Sir John Eccles.
In the year 2000, the Tall Poppy Campaign promoted the achievements of Australian
scientists by celebrating the Cavalcade of Scientists. The Cavalcade of Scientists
comprised a number of outstanding scientists, either Australian born and bred,
or who have undertaken their major work in Australia. Nominations were sought
from the Australian Academy of Science,
the Academy of Technological Sciences
and Engineering, and the CSIRO. The Cavalcade focused on the major achievements
of each of the scientists selected.
Young
Tall Poppy Program
The Young Tall Poppy Program is part of the Tall Poppy Campaign initiated and run by the Australian Institute of Policy & Science across most states and territories of Australia.
The role of the Young Tall Poppy Program is to celebrate and increase community awareness of the outstanding achievements of young Australians and the social and economic benefits of promoting excellence.
The Young Tall Poppy Program identifies and acknowledges brilliant young researchers with excellent communication skills and engages them to foster a strong interest in science in schools and in the community.
165 Young Tall Poppies have been selected across four states and territories in fields such as medical research, health care, basic sciences, engineering, information technology, veterinary science, and environmental studies
Young Tall Poppies have visited more than 650 primary and secondary schools across New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, and the ACT and made presentations to approximately 60,000 students, parents and teachers.
750 teachers have taken part in staff development programs led by Young Tall Poppies.
The Young Tall Poppies in Flight hot air balloon has visited 50 schools in four states and two territories.
Young Tall Poppies have contributed an estimated 8,000 hours to the promotion of science within the community.
Education resource materials based on the work of famous Australian scientists and nine Young Tall Poppy Science Awards recipients have been developed and distributed to schools and through the World Wide Web.
Young Tall Poppies have taken part in scientific meetings, ministerial briefings and visits, science festivals, and conferences under the Tall Poppy Campaign banner.
Young Tall Poppies have visited 20 rural and remote communities in NSW, Qld, and the NT.
Extensive media coverage has been achieved in local newspapers, school magazines, business magazines, science articles in the metropolitan press, and in TV and radio programs.
The Young Tall Poppy Program has showcased Australia as a world leader in science, health and medical research. Many of the Young Tall Poppies are now achieving at the forefront of international research developments.
"I wish you continued success with this very worthwhile initiative" - Hon. John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia
"The balloon launch was spectacular and the whole concept a credit to the organizers…it provided a focal point for widespread discussion about the importance of our Tall Poppy scientists and the role of science in our lives" - Principal, Prospect Primary School
"The Tall Poppy Campaign has given several young scientists the rare opportunity to talk about broader issues related to science and technology and to raise the public profile of achievements in these areas" - 2000 Young Tall Poppy Science Award recipient
The
Florey Medal
The
Florey Medal is awarded biennially. The medal recipient
receives $25,000 in prize money. This prestigious
award was established in honour of Australia's Nobel
Prize-winning scientist, Howard Florey, who developed
penicillin, with the intention of recognising outstanding
achievement by Australian biomedical researchers.
The winners of the inaugural Medal in 1998 were
Dr Robin
Warren and Professor Barry Marshall. In 2000
the Medal was awarded to Professor
Jacques Miller AO, and in 2002 the winner was
Professor
Colin Masters. In 2004, the winner was
Professor Peter Colman. In 2006, the winner was
Professor Ian Frazer.
