In response to promising research regarding WA’s minerals and energy sectors, the first part of the million-dollar program will award $16,000 worth of new scholarships.

MRIWA’s scholarship program will introduce the 2014 Odwyn Jones Awards, replacing the Minerals and Energy Research Institute of WA scholarships, which were previously awarded to Doctor of Philosophy students.

The program is named in honour of Professor Odwyn Jones, who was involved with MERIWA for more than 30 years.

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion recently presented the inaugural Odwyn Jones Awards for eight projects funded through the MRIWA.

“These are exciting projects, the sort of research that will keep WA at the forefront of innovation in the minerals and energy sector and strengthen the state’s future prospects,” Marmion said.

The Odwyn Jones Awards will provide 15 annual scholarships of $2,000 for students to progress their fourth-year research projects.

At the end of that year, award winners achieving first class honours are eligible for a $3,000 prize.

Additionally, 10 director’s PhD scholarships worth $960,000 will be offered during the program’s first three years of operation.

Since 1991, postgraduate minerals research scholarships have been awarded to 34 students from The University of WA, 33 Curtin University students and nine Murdoch University students.