{"id":18305,"date":"2023-09-13T01:09:22","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T01:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/?post_type=futures-platform&#038;p=18305"},"modified":"2025-09-26T11:40:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T03:40:21","slug":"missions-connect-project-wins-at-premiers-science-awards","status":"publish","type":"futures-platform","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/futures-platform\/missions-connect-project-wins-at-premiers-science-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Missions Connect Project wins at Premier\u2019s Science Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-intro-font-size\">A Curtin University virtual reality project sharing Western Australia\u2019s stolen generation history and a passionate PhD student researcher dedicated to improving the health of pre-term babies have been honoured at this year\u2019s WA Premier\u2019s Science Awards 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Missions Connect, an immersive and interactive virtual reality tool that is transforming former mission sites into healing spaces for Stolen Generations survivors, was named the Science Engagement Initiative of the Year and Curtin and Telethon Kids Institute PhD student researcher Denby Evans is the Student Scientist of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated both Curtin winners on their awards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Premier\u2019s Science Awards recognise the State\u2019s best and brightest, and I am delighted the important work of both the Missions Connect team and Denby Evans have been recognised,\u201d Professor Hayne said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMissions Connect demonstrates the benefits of advancing First Nations knowledge and fostering understanding through technology and Denby\u2019s research into the lung health of pre-term babies paves the way for new medical treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBoth winners are shining examples of Curtin\u2019s commitment to research and programs that have real world impact, not only in WA but around the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Premier&#039;s Science Awards Science Engagement Initiative of the Year: MissionsConnect\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0-0cXCBHgrw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Missions Connect provides the oldest living culture in the world with the newest technology to address one of Australia\u2019s most pressing national priorities, reconciliation, by providing a shared understanding of the history of European encounters with First Nations people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program, led by Curtin Professor Reena Tiwari in partnership with Jim Morrison from Bringing Them Home WA, has garnered widespread success in just six years, including international recognition from UNESCO, raising awareness among participants and audiences of the value of technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Denby Evans is passionate about making unique discoveries that improve the lung health of Western Australia\u2019s tiniest members of society \u2013 those who are born early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her research has found that airway cells behave differently after preterm birth, even months or years after the initial hospital stay, paving the way for novel interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Denby has published high impact papers and won multiple awards for her research excellence, facilitating presentation of her work worldwide. Denby also promotes STEM learning and research to young people through visits to primary schools where she shares her enthusiasm for science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Premier\u2019s Science Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in WA across six award categories.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wa.gov.au\/organisation\/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation\/premiers-science-awards-2023-winners\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.wa.gov.au\/organisation\/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation\/premiers-science-awards-2023-winners\">Find out more about the 2023 winners.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Future Platforms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a focus on global, sustainable, learning and Indigenous futures we enable our students, staff and community in the pursuit of just, ethical and thriving societies.<\/p>\n\n\n<mimas-block \n        block-name=\"button\"\n        \n        data-align=\"left\"\n        role=\"complementary\"\n        aria-label=\"Button block\"\n        data-segment=\"all\">\n\n    \n    \n<div class=\"block-heading hidden\"\n     data-segment=\"dom\"\n     data-style=\"\"\n     data-align=\"default\"\n>\n\n                                <h2 class=\"block-heading__title \" id=\"button-block\">Button block<\/h2>\n            \n                        \n                        \n            \n                <\/div>\n\n                    <a\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/learning-teaching\/humanities\/about-humanities\/futures-platforms\/\"\n    class=\"button  button--gray filled\"\n    target=\"_top\" aria-label=\"Read about our Futures Platforms\">Read about our Futures Platforms<\/a>\n    <\/mimas-block>\n\n<mimas-block \n        block-name=\"cards-image\"\n        data-segment=\"dom\">\n\n    \n<div class=\"block-heading\"\n     data-segment=\"dom\"\n     data-style=\"\"\n     data-align=\"default\"\n>\n\n                                <h2 class=\"block-heading__title \" id=\"our-schools\">Our Schools<\/h2>\n            \n                        \n                                <div class=\"block-heading__content\"><p>The Faculty of Humanities encompasses three schools, each comprising multiple disciplines specialising in various degree programs. At Curtin, our schools offer a comprehensive education in practical and transferable skills that can be applied in multiple professional settings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            \n            \n                <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"card-grid\" data-card-size=\"standard\" data-card-count=\"3\" data-card-background=\"transparent\">\n                    <div  id=\"school-of-design-and-the-built-environment\" class=\"card\" data-type=\"img\" aria-label=\"school-of-design-and-the-built-environment\"><div class=\"card__top\"><\/div><div class=\"inner\"><div class=\"card__title\"><h3 class=\"\">School of Design and the Built Environment<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card__content\"><p>Do you possess a creative inclination and a keen interest in design, urban culture, architecture, and the environment? Or do you aspire to enhance the living standards of all individuals?<\/p><\/div><ul class=\"card__links\"><li><a\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/learning-teaching\/humanities\/design-built-environment\/\"\n    class=\"ico-link--arrow button-link--deep-blue\"\n    target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Learn more about the School of Design and the Built Environment\">Learn more about the School of Design and the Built Environment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>                    <div  id=\"school-of-education\" class=\"card\" data-type=\"img\" aria-label=\"school-of-education\"><div class=\"card__top\"><\/div><div class=\"inner\"><div class=\"card__title\"><h3 class=\"\">School of Education<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card__content\"><p>Are you passionate about making a positive impact on others? The School of Education equips professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a diverse range of education-related industries. Our programs have earned national and international recognition for their exceptional quality.<\/p><\/div><ul class=\"card__links\"><li><a\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/learning-teaching\/humanities\/education\/\"\n    class=\"ico-link--arrow button-link--deep-blue\"\n    target=\"_top\" aria-label=\"Learn more about the School of Education\">Learn more about the School of Education<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>                    <div  id=\"school-of-media-creative-arts-and-social-inquiry\" class=\"card\" data-type=\"img\" aria-label=\"school-of-media-creative-arts-and-social-inquiry\"><div class=\"card__top\"><\/div><div class=\"inner\"><div class=\"card__title\"><h3 class=\"\">School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card__content\"><p>Curious about innovative thinking, meaningful creation, or effective information management? The School of Media, Creative Arts, and Social Inquiry provides courses that produce job-ready graduates for those seeking to make a difference or leave a mark on the world.<\/p><\/div><ul class=\"card__links\"><li><a\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/learning-teaching\/humanities\/school-of-media-creative-arts-and-social-inquiry\/\"\n    class=\"ico-link--arrow button-link--deep-blue\"\n    target=\"_top\" aria-label=\"Learn more about the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry\">Learn more about the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>            <\/div>\n<\/mimas-block>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Curtin University virtual reality project sharing Western Australia\u2019s stolen generation history and a passionate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":220,"featured_media":18309,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"class_list":["post-18305","futures-platform","type-futures-platform","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indigenous-futures"],"acf":false,"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/09\/jim-reena-denby-researchers-1000x500-1.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Ciara","last_name":"McNally","display_name":"Ciara McNally"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform\/18305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/futures-platform"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/220"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform\/18305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31899,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform\/18305\/revisions\/31899"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}