Alan Cruickshank Memorial Germinator Award

What we offer

In 2023, the DAF Hermitage Research Facility team lost a wonderful colleague, Alan Cruickshank — Senior Plant Breeder and passionate supporter of the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools program — to brain cancer. In Alan's memory, the Cruickshank family has provided funding for an outstanding teacher to use towards a professional development opportunity of their choice.

This award is valued at $1,000.

Who is eligible

Teachers must:

• be a primary or high school teacher
• have guided and encouraged student engagement in our current Hermitage Schools Plant Science Competition
• have guided students in other STEM-based curriculum or extra-curricular programs, activities and learning
• have applied by the competition closing date.

How to apply

Complete the Alan Cruickshank Memorial Germinator Award application form by the competition closing date.

Teachers will be assessed on their responses to these questions:

• How do you go 'over and beyond' to make yourself available to, or take personal interest in, students who show an interest in STEM?
• How do you organise and present STEM content in ways that interest and stimulate students?
• How do you inspire a passion for STEM and foster students' curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
• How do you connect classroom learning to real-world applications, industry practices and current research?
• How do you build partnerships with colleagues, industry professionals and community organisations to enhance STEM education?
• What opportunities do you take for continual professional growth?
• How do you support diversity and inclusion for all students?

A signed letter of recommendation from a colleague, mentor or student is encouraged to support the application (this is not mandatory).

Prize conditions

• Award will cover up to $1,000 towards a professional development (PD) opportunity of the recipient's choice — to be approved by the Cruickshank family.
• Award will remain valid for up to 12 months.
• Eligible PD activities include conferences, training, study, workshops, events and the associated costs in attending these (e.g. registration fees, travel, meals, accommodation).
• Award recipient must liaise with the Schools Plant Science Competition Coordinator and/or the Cruickshank family who will either:
  • book and pay for PD expenses directly
    or
  • request copies of receipts/invoices incurred for the PD activity and arrange reimbursement of expenses.
• Award recipient must provide written feedback (and photos if possible) to the Schools Plant Science Competition Coordinator about their experience, within 1 month of completing or returning from their PD activity.
• Award recipient will be notified via email in late July and publicly announced during the DAF Hermitage Schools Plant Science Competition's annual Awards Day and Ag Science Expo held in August.
• Award is not transferable or redeemable for cash.