The Draeger Safety Pacific Young Hygienist Award is aimed at young hygienists and applicants must be less than 40 years of age, working full time as an occupational hygienist and a financial full or provisional member of the AIOH.

This annual award, sponsored by Dräger Safety Pacific, supports the professional development of an outstanding young occupational hygienist through attendance at the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) Conference in the UK, plus a visit to Dräger headquarters in Lübeck, Germany.

It’s an opportunity to represent Australia and the AIOH internationally, expand your professional network, and bring new insights back to the profession.

What the award covers

Hosted by Dräger Safety Pacific, the award provides up to $10,000 to support:

  • Registration for the BOHS Conference (or a similar approved event)
  • Flights and accommodation
  • A visit to Dräger headquarters in Lübeck, Germany (itinerary suggested by Dräger)

Recognition at the AIOH Annual Conference Dinner

Note: Funding is capped ,  any additional travel or incidental costs will need to be covered by the recipient.

Who can apply?

You must be:

  • A financial Full or Provisional member of the AIOH
  • Under 40 years of age on 31 December of the award year
  • Working in occupational hygiene (generalist or specialist)
  • Able to represent the profession overseas with maturity, professionalism, and knowledge of Australian occupational hygiene developments

You cannot apply if you are:

  • An employee or family member of Dräger Safety Pacific
  • A current AIOH Council 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!

Submit your application via the application form on the AIOH website.

You will need to include:

  • Personal details and contact information
  • Academic qualifications and training history
  • Employment history with an occupational hygiene focus
  • Proposed itinerary, including any professional visits
  • One or two professional reports (max 10 pages each, confidential details removed) demonstrating your work in recognition, evaluation and control of hazards
  • A short statement on the professional benefits of attending
  • Details of other funding sought or secured
  • Names and contact details of two professional referees
  • Signed acceptance of award terms, including employer clearance if required

Only complete applications received by the closing date will be considered.

Past Winners

1997 Paul Yeung 1998 Not awarded
1999 Jaemie Wilson 2000 Lisa Kelley
2001 Karen Witchell 2002 Brett Young
2003 Lisa Keenan 2004 Stephen Turner
2005 Samantha Clarke 2006 Kerrie Burton
2007 Kelly Hey (Sutherland) 2008 Sally Jones
2009 Nathan Redfern 2010  Melanie Jensen (Windust)
2011 Simon Worland 2012 Mark Soloman
2013 Kate Cole 2014 Mitchell Thompson
2015 Perdita Dickson 2016 Andrew Bennett
2017 Kristy Thornton 2018 Ritesh Patel
2019 Carmen Naylor 2020 No Award given
2021 Candice Dix 2022 Fouad Rizk
2023 Julie Moore 2024 Lee Cherry

Dräger Safety Pacific has been a proud sponsor of this award since 1999, reflecting their long-standing commitment to supporting excellence in occupational hygiene and professional development. Part of the global Dräger Group, they have been creating innovative safety and medical technology since 1889, with a mission summed up in their motto — Technology for Life.

Established in Australia in 1963, Dräger Safety Pacific has become a trusted partner for industries where safety is critical, from mining and manufacturing to healthcare and defence. Their expertise spans respiratory protection, gas detection, and drug and alcohol screening, backed by world-class servicing and training.

By sponsoring this award, Dräger continues to invest in the growth and capability of the profession, helping recipients expand their horizons through international learning experiences and exposure to cutting-edge safety solutions.

Past Winners

Fouad Rizk - 2022 Winner

Like many others in the field, I stumbled into occupational hygiene by accident—but quickly found meaning in promoting and protecting worker health. Applying for the Dräger Young Hygienist Award was a chance to pause, reflect, and honour the people who supported me along the way. I never expected to win, which made receiving the award all the more humbling.

The highlight was the professional development trip. From visiting the Dräger headquarters in Germany to exploring asbestos analysis using AI in France, and diving deep into radiation detection in the UK, every stop was packed with learning and inspiration. I ended the journey in Dublin at the IOHA conference, connecting with thought leaders and peers from across the world. It was an unforgettable experience that expanded my knowledge, sharpened my professional focus, and reignited my passion for the field.

More than a recognition, the award gave me space to grow, gain exposure to global innovations, and feel part of something bigger. It reminded me that our profession makes a real difference—and that we grow through the support of our community. If you’re thinking about applying, take the leap. It’s an experience that will stay with you for life.

Kerrie Burton -2014 Winner

Being able to attend AIHA, let alone present and connect with researchers at NIOSH whose work I had been referencing, made refining my PhD more achievable and motivated me to continue with this research.