The 2022 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year is Dr Benjamin Schwessinger, whose work on the intersect of pathogen genomics and biosecurity aims to better understand the biology of plant pathogens posing biosecurity risks to Australian agriculture and the environment.

The annual ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award recognises the achievements of an up-and-coming local scientist with significant potential to continue to achieve in their chosen field of research.

The award comes with $30,000 in prize money.

The award:

• celebrates excellence in scientific research and innovation in the ACT
• showcases the contribution that local scientists make to science and innovation
• inspires and encourages students to consider careers in STEM.