The finalists of the 2011 Northern Territory Research and Innovation Awards were announced on 15 September. The finalists include a buffalo dairy, an interactive health tool and a remote islands ranger programme.
The awards promote science, business, academia, arts and technology, and are presented on the recommendations of the NT Research and Innovation Board, an advisory group that is appointed by the chief minister.
Rob Knight, NT’s business minister, said in a statement regarding the quality of this year’s finalists: “Some of these projects have found their way overseas, like the Bushlight renewable energy program that was designed for remote Territory communities, which is now being deployed in India.
“And another finalist, the IBERA system – Indigenous Body Education Resource Animations – is revolutionising the way health education is delivered to indigenous people, and has been picked up as far away as Canada.”
There are five categories of award: the Minister for Business and Employment Innovation Award, the Indigenous Innovation Award, the New Generation Award, the Desert Knowledge Research Award, and the Tropical Knowledge Research Award.
The awards will be presented on 14 October as part of NT’s October Business Month.