Professional Advancement Award
Sponsored by Air-Met Scientific

This award is designed to support the next generation of occupational hygienists as they grow their careers. It’s open to young professionals who are working full time as occupational hygienists and are financial full or provisional members of the AIOH.

The successful applicant will have the chance to take their professional development to an international stage, with attendance at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHCE) in the USA. After the conference, they’ll be invited to travel to SKC Inc in Pennsylvania and visit other leading industry and government institutions across the USA and/or Canada.

It’s more than just a trip ,  it’s an opportunity to gain fresh insights, make valuable connections, and bring new ideas back to the Australian occupational hygiene community.

What the award overs

Up to $15,000 towards travel, accommodation, and conference expenses

  • AIHce registration
  • Visit to SKC Inc. headquarters (arranged by sponsor)
  • Opportunity to negotiate additional approved professional visits

Recognition at the AIOH Annual Conference Dinner

Who can apply?

You must be:

  • A financial full fee-paying Full, Provisional or Fellow member of the AIOH
  • Actively working in occupational hygiene (generalist or specialist)
  • Able to represent the profession in overseas forums
  • Willing to prepare and follow an approved professional itinerary

You cannot apply if you are:

  • An employee or family member of Air-Met Scientific
  • A current AIOH Council member or Awards & Sponsorship Committee member
  • In a position of commercial conflict of interest

Note: Newly admitted Provisional members are unlikely to be selected unless they demonstrate exceptional ability.

How to apply!

Complete the online application form on the AIOH website and attach:

  • Academic qualifications and training history
  • Work history in occupational hygiene (include responsibilities)
  • Proposed itinerary and professional visits
  • Two examples of professional work (max 10 pages each, confidential details removed)
  • Names and contact details of two professional referees
  • Statement of expected professional benefits from attending AIHce and visits
  • Details of any other funding sources

Submit electronically; hard copies will not be accepted.

Past Winners

2001 Gary Rhyder (Workcover NSW) 2002 Robert Golec (AMCOSH)
2003 Jen Hines (Bluescope Steel) 2004 Yanel Lara (AMCOSH)
2005 Julia Norris (SWOSH) 2006 Gerard Tiernan (SIMTARS)
2007 Caroline Langley (Injury Prevention and Management) 2008 Kevin Hedges (Queensland Government Mines Inspectorate)
2009 Linda Apthorpe (Pickford Rhyder) 2010 Jane Whitelaw (University of Woolongong)
2011 Tracey Bence (Chevron) 2012 Sue McGurty (Worksafe Victoria)
2013 Liam Wilson (Rio Tinto Coal Australia) 2014 Kerrie Burton (Bluescope Steel)
2015 Raelene Young (Viva Energy) 2016 Samantha Clarke (Workplace Risk Solutions)
2017 Sharyn Gaskin (University of Adelaide) 2018 Jwalit Parikh (HSE Australia)
2019 Peter Aspinall (WSP) 2020 Award not presented due to COVID-19
2021 Mark Reggers (3M) 2022 Kerry McDougall (Occupational Hygiene Consulting)
2023 Andrew McCarthy 2024 Jason Green

About our Sponsor

Established in 1984, Air-Met Scientific is Australia’s leading supplier, service provider and rental specialist for occupational health, safety and environmental monitoring equipment. With seven locations nationwide, we provide tailored solutions — whether you’re looking to buy, rent, service, or need a bespoke monitoring setup for unique environmental challenges.

Our team prides itself on exceptional customer support, offering expert technical advice and a commitment to high-quality products. We also make it simple to work with us by providing a range of flexible payment options, ensuring the process is seamless from start to finish.

Air-Met Scientific proudly sponsors the AIOH Air-Met Scientific Professional Advancement Award, presented each year at the AIOH Conference.

This prestigious award offers a mid-career occupational hygienist an all-expenses-paid opportunity to further their professional development. The recipient will attend the AIHA Connect Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and then travel to SKC Inc. in Pennsylvania, USA. The journey also includes additional site visits to industry and government organisations relevant to the recipient’s area of expertise.

Pete Aspinall - 2019 Winner

I had always felt a sense of excitement watching many great hygiene legends receive the Air-Met Professional Development Award at the annual AIOH Conference Gala Dinner. I remember feeling hesitant to nominate myself among such inspiring mentors and industry leaders in 2019, however the opportunities the award could offer which included the potential for international travel, ultimately drew me in.

I have long been a committed supporter of the AIOH community and a strong advocate for increasing awareness of occupational hygiene in Australian workplaces. I believe it’s vital that Australian hygienists share our knowledge and experiences globally by attending international events like the American AIHce conference which the award enabled.

My plans for 2020 were quickly forgotten as travel shut down due to the global pandemic. However, that experience reinforced to me the value of having international hygiene networks and open communications that support shared learning. When I was finally able to attend the 2022 AIHce in Nashville, I connected with many international colleagues who later supported my delivery of international hygiene training within Thailand and Vietnam. Winning the Air-Met award enabled me to calibrate my hygiene practices with global peers - essential for both personal and professional growth. These connections have led to lasting friendships that still continue today.

Mark Reggers - 2021 Winner

I applied to further enhance my career progression and experience by making the most of what the AIOH has on offer to its members. It was/is a career highlight to be awarded the Airmet Professional development award. Being able to travel to the US and visit locations of interest to me have been invaluable with the exposure and international connections made. Worth the effort in submitting an application as it just might change your career trajectory.