This Prize is offered by the RACI Polymer Division in recognition of the longstanding support and encouragement of young polymer scientists by the late Professor James H. O'Donnell of the University of Queensland. Professor O'Donnell's vision and efforts for polymer scientists in Australia had young scientists in a pivotal role. This has resulted in many tangible benefits to young Australian polymer scientists such as reduced conference registration fees, travel subsidies and prizes, and in a more general way has brought about their increased participation in the Division at all levels, and their increased profile in the national and international polymer community. The prize is for a short attachment to another University to perform research towards the PhD. The minimum stay overseas is three weeks. Attendance at an overseas conference as part of the trip is encouraged. From 2008 onward the prize will consist of an allowance of $A5000 . In addition there will be a framed citation. The deadline for applications for the 2009 prize is 15th December 2008.

Your submission must include:

Further details on how to apply can be obtained from the Secretary of the Polymer Division, Sebastien Perrier.

The previous recipients of the O'Donnell Young Scientist Prize are:

• 1996 J Campbell, Monash University
• 1997 E Coen, Sydney University
• 1998 K Lenghaus, University of New South Wales
• 1999 B Haupt, Australian National University
• 2000 Stuart Prescott, CSIRO Molecular Science
• 2004 Luke Connal, University of Melbourne
• 2007 Tara Schiller, Queensland University of Technology