Dr Peter Irga awarded a 2022 Young Tall Poppy Science Award

Air pollution expert rewarded for his groundbreaking research and outreach activities

Congratulations to Dr Peter Irga in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering for being awarded a 2022 Young Tall Poppy Science Award.

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, an initiative of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, which aims to recognise excellence in research as well as enthusiasm for communicating science beyond the walls of the laboratory. The Awards are widely considered to be an early indicator of Australia’s future scientific leaders, identifying excellent early-career scientists.

I am very appreciative of the platform that my position affords me, enabling me to promote the great research we are doing and its implications for the broader community and society.

Dr Peter Irga

Peter’s expertise lies in indoor air pollution and the main technologies and protocols used for air pollution monitoring, with specialist knowledge on pathogenic fungal spores and contaminated buildings.

Peter is a current ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Fellow who is a leader in the growing field of developing innovative nature-based biological air treatment technologies to counter the growing challenges of high levels of air pollution in our cities.

He has made major contributions towards outreach activities, regularly appearing as an invited speaker in numerous outreach programs and public platforms. These programs demonstrate how both individuals and society benefit from the research he conducts, with a vision to awaken prospective students to what it means to study STEM.

To be recognised for my contribution to outreach activities through outreach programs, public lectures, student mentorship and generating employment opportunities is a great honour. Sharing knowledge, and helping others to also explore that knowledge is what makes any academic pursuit worthwhile.

Dr Peter Irga