WA's science industry is the hidden jewel in the State's prosperity and future growth.
That's the message from the State's chief scientist Peter Klinken, who gave the closing address at the University of Western Australia (UWA) Institute of Agriculture postgraduate showcase.
Professor Klinken, a UWA alumni, is regarded for his work in cancer research and the discovery of a gene that suppresses the growth of tumours.
He said the opportunities for growth in WA's key science industries; mining and energy, agriculture, medical research, marine biology and radio astronomy; were "humongous".
But Professor Klinken said the WA science sector needed to promote itself to ensure it was not forgotten by State and federal governments and funding bodies.
"Every time a listed company makes a discovery, the company makes sure it tells its shareholders to increase its worth to others," he said.
"We need to think the same way. Its incumbent on us as scientists to share our discoveries and promote our value, otherwise we go to the back of the queue in terms of funding as we are out-competed by other worthwhile causes.
"Research and development is so important in science, and while collecting data is considered boring or unimportant, don't forget that this is critical to the generation of knowledge and developing practical applications."
