4 September 2009
Monash University's Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich can now add theVictorian Premier's Literary award for science writing to her long list of achievements.
The internationally-renowned palaeontologist is also well-known for her passion for education and willingness to teach others.
"Combining my love of science and history with a mission to put together a book to enlighten others has resulted in award. It's quite amazing really," Professor Vickers-Rich said.
The book, The Rise of Animals: Evolution and Diversification of the Kingdom Animalia is an account of the emergence of animal life travels through time and space to review the evidence, controversies and history of the past. The story weaves through colourful characters and exotic locations, from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia to the Russian tundra, from African deserts to frozen northern coastlines.
Professor Vickers-Rich said one of the challenges of the book was to present scientifically-complex information in a format that could be enjoyed by people who were not experts in this field.
"The complexities of history and science have again been brought to life by the brilliant artwork of Peter Trusler who has become a good friend over the years. Peter's work has graced postage stamps and canvasses for many decades and it is a privilege to have his work in print," Professor Vickers-Rich said.
"The rise of animal life has arguably been one of the most significant events in earth's history. This book provides a fascinating range of views into that event, sharing the passions and opinions of the world's experts on the evidence with a broad audience."
In her thank you speech Professor Vickers-Rich also extended her thanks to collaborators on the project Mikhail Fedonkin, Guy Narbonne, Jim Gehling and Kathleen Grey.
"Mikhail, in particular, was an inspiration, and he along with the others welcomed me into their research, took me to their field sites and opened their collections, gave willingly of their thoughts and perceptions developed over research lifetimes; they graciously ushered me into this fascinating research arena, a true novice, on a fast learning curve in 2002," Professor Vickers-Rich said.
The Victorian Literary Prize is in its 25th year and this year's category winners were announced at a gala function in Melbourne on 1 September 2009.
Premier John Brumby announced Professor Vickers-Rich among 11 writers who will share in $195,000 in prizes in the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, which recognise the abundant talent of Victorian and Australian writers.
"By recognising a diversity of forms including fiction, non-fiction, journalism, poetry and musical theatre, these awards are one of Australia's most diverse literary prize programs," Premier Brumby said.
This year the awards attracted a record 705 entries. | 
