Thirty High-Achievers Win Prestigious Australian Awards

Thirty high-achieving Indonesian academics and public servants have won Endeavour Award scholarships to undertake professional development and research in Australia in 2008, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer announced today.

“I warmly congratulate the winners of the prestigious Endeavour Awards. The enduring professional and personal networks they build with Australian scholars will continue long after their return home to Indonesia,” Mr Farmer said.

“This will contribute to strong, ongoing ties and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between our two nations, particularly in the area of science and research,” the Ambassador said.

Endeavour Award winner Mr. W. Budiyanto from the Presidential Palace, who will study Museum Management at the University of Sydney, said he was keen to apply Australia’s advanced technology and innovations in the area of heritage conservation to preserving the many priceless and unique artefacts held at the Presidential Palaces in Bogor, Tampak Siring, the State Palace, Cipanas and Yogyakarta.

Ms. Fitri Widiantini, a Biotechnology expert from Padjadjaran University, said her Endeavour Award would enable researchers from Australia and Indonesia to work together to find solutions to common problems.

“Through Endeavour, I will work with fellow Australian scientists on a research project on managing plant diseases. This research will help farmers protect their crops effectively while protecting the environment too”, she said.

The Australian Government Endeavour Awards provide opportunities for leading Indonesian researchers and professionals to undertake research and professional development in Australia in a broad range of disciplines. This highly competitive scholarships program will provide around 9000 international scholarships up to 2011.

Further information:
Fiona Hoggart (Australian Embassy) 0811936302

For more information about Endeavour Awards, please visit www.endeavour.dest.gov.au or www.australiaawards.gov.au