ANU chemist and Earth scientist celebrated with Young Tall Poppy Awards

Dr Lucy Gloag and Dr Sima Mousavi from The Australian National University (ANU) have been recognised for bringing their research on nanoparticles and earthquakes out of the lab and into the community. 

Developing new technology for the green energy transition and exploring beneath the earth's crust are just some of the ways they’re shaping the future.  

The Australian Institute of Policy and Science Young Tall Poppy Awards celebrate rising early career researchers and STEM professionals who are passionate about engaging with the public about their science. 

Dr Gloag, a lecturer at ANU Research School of Chemistry, has been recognised for both her dedication to science communication and her research on developing nanoparticles to support clean energy technologies. 

“Nanoparticles are 100,000 times smaller than a human hair,” she explains. “My team builds these atom-by-atom to create materials that speed up chemical reactions, such as producing hydrogen fuel from water and converting carbon dioxide into useful products.”  

Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels requires efficient, affordable, and practical alternatives at scale. 

Dr Gloag’s research aims to build new nanoparticles that use less energy and with cheaper materials, helping us produce clean fuels and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

“What drives me in research is a passion for creating real impact that improves lives.”In her role as president elect of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute ACT branch, Dr Gloag brings chemistry and people together through events including Equity in Science, Chemistry in the Pub, and chemistry challenges for students. 

“I’m particularly passionate about encouraging young people and people from underrepresented backgrounds to see that there is a place for them in STEM.” 

Dr Mousavi, from the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences, has been recognised for both bringing Earth science into schools with students and teachers, and her research investigating where and why earthquakes occur. 

She uses vibrations called seismic waves to image the planet’s internal structure from the crust to the deep Earth, much like a doctor uses CT scans to see inside the human body 

Dr Mousavi also leads the Australian Seismometers in Schools program, working with students and teachers across Australia to analyse real earthquake recordings from research-grade seismometers installed in schools.  

One of the most rewarding parts of the program and receiving the Award is seeing students discover that a career in science could for them.  

“I love being able to show students that science isn’t something that only happens in a university laboratory. They can actually look at a seismic recording from their own school and investigate an earthquake themselves,” she says. 

"That combination of discovering things about the Earth myself, and then passing that curiosity on to the next generation, is what I enjoy most about what I do.”