Dr Claire Blewitt given Paul Bourke Award for work with ECEC

Monash University researcher Dr Claire Blewitt was recently awarded a Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research for her work in co-designing the innovative SEED (Social-Emotional Engagement and Development) program.

The Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research acknowledges exceptional scholarship in one or more fields of the social sciences. It has been received by some of Australia’s leading social scientists and is named after the late Professor Paul Bourke who served as Academy President from 1993 to 1997.

The SEED program saw Dr Blewitt, a Research Fellow in the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, working in partnership with educators and early childhood professionals to enhance educator-child interactions and improve social-emotional outcomes for children.

Securing the award, Monash University Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President, Mike Ryan, said, is “a remarkable achievement.”

“The Paul Bourke awards are highly regarded by the wider research community, representing exceptional achievement by early career researchers. It’s wonderful to have Monash represented by two awards this year,” he added. 

Dr Blewitt was joined in the win by Dr Michelle Liu, a Lecturer in the School of Philosophical, Historical and Indigenous Studies, who was acknowledged for her significant contributions on topics including consciousness and word meaning.

“I congratulate Claire and Michelle for their hard work and impactful contributions to their respective fields,” Mr Ryan said. 

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA) will present the recipients with a certificate and medallion at the organisation’s Annual Dinner to be held in November.

ASSA also invited Monash University to co-host two public lectures to showcase Dr Blewitt and Dr Liu’s research during Social Sciences Week in 2025.

The Sector extends its congratulations to Dr Blewitt, and fellow recipient Dr Liu, on this significant achievement.