ASEG Members David Pratt from Tensor Research and Bruce Dickson CSIRO (retired) acted as mentors to “Team Macquarie” and helped them with the daunting task of finding a practical theme that could be applied to the high quality, detailed dataset compiled by the NSW Geological Survey. This rich, multi-layered dataset was an ideal candidate for SOM analysis where looking for anomalous geological relationships in a well-endowed mineral terrane is a time-consuming task. Bruce’s background in SOM research at CSIRO provided an appropriate perspective to help the team focus on an achievable goal with a finite time budget. Preparing for the next round in 2020–21 – the Frank Arnott Award process The process begins by organising interested students into collaborative teams with a good spread of expertise. A team leader with good communications skills should be selected early on in the process so that they can liaise with university supervisors, societies, mentors and the Frank Arnott Award organisers. It is important for team members to assess their level of commitment at an early stage, because, for some, the time requirements may conflict with other university obligations. The major effort should focus on the December – February university break, with the remaining time devoted to refinement of the project outcomes. When the competition opens, teams should register their interest and request access to the available datasets. Teams are likely to spend some time selecting their preferred project dataset(s) and identifying objectives that satisfy the judging criteria relating to “innovation in data integration and visualisation”. This is the time when mentors can help simplify the range of options as their industry experience will save teams from proceeding down endless dead-end paths. Mentors will also be able to advise on the degree of innovation from an exploration industry context. Once the team has settled on a dataset and concept, they can start working on the data, acquiring the various tools that they will need and then learning how to use them on real-world problems. Most software vendors are likely to provide free access to software for the duration of the contest. At this stage, the concepts should start to mature and create a new focus as problems emerge and are resolved. It may be necessary to reach out beyond the skills of the existing team to resolve some tricky problems and again, this is where mentors can provide valuable assistance. Collaboration is regarded as a very important component of the judging criteria. It is a good idea to prepare a preliminary team presentation on the prototype results to help focus the team on the important issues and boost their enthusiasm for the final stage prior to submission. The preliminary presentation will be submitted for judging by September 2020, with the judges releasing their results and identifying a short-list of teams for participation in the final round at PDAC in March 2021. Invitations to short-listed participants will be sent in October 2020, providing ample time for teams to refine their work and tailor their final presentations. Financial assistance with travel and accommodation will be made available from a pool of funds contributed by sponsoring organisations. A special session will be set aside by the PDAC conference organisers to host the finalist presentations. The winning teams will be chosen on the basis of these presentations, and will receive their awards at the PDAC 2021 Student Luncheon. Benefits to for students There are many benefits for students participating in the Frank Arnott Award. These benefits extend well beyond their university education and into their future careers. Students will: • Develop an understanding of team work, collaboration and leadership as a valuable skill, • Acquire new software skills that are focused on future employment, • Gain new exploration geoscience skills that are focused on future employment, • Expand their industry network, • Get to know industry representatives, • Learn from the judging panel, • Gain recognition for work on global datasets, • Present at society meetings, • Work with a local geoscience mentor to guide project development. Summary The rewards for the undergraduate and post graduate students, universities, our societies, explorers and mentors are significant. The students gain insights, encouragement, exposure and motivation. Universities have access to a range of data and people resources that enable their course development and industry recognition. As previously cited, the goals of the Frank Arnott Award are well aligned with the goals of our Society. Exploration companies get a chance to see future leaders well before they have entered the competitive employment market. David Pratt and Bruce Dickson both found the process of mentoring Team Macquarie immensely rewarding. Not only did they see the “lights turn on” but, they had the chance to see the team grow and take their own ideas beyond the Award. The Frank Arnott Award key dates Feb 2019 University contact initiated. Mar 2019 Student and sponsor events at PDAC Toronto. Jun 2019 Competition opens Sep 2019 Promotion to students, educators and sponsors at AEGC 2019 in Perth Oct 2019 Promotion at SAGA Durban promotion Mar 2020 PDAC Toronto team reps, sponsor and judges meet and engage with universities Sep 2020 Competition submission deadline. Oct 2020 First round of judging and short listing of teams Mar 2021 PDAC Toronto. Presentations by short listed teams. Final judging and award ceremony. For more information go to https:// www.pdac.ca/members/students/faa/ background or contact David Pratt at David.Pratt@tensor-research.com.au. Education matters 34 PREVIEW JUNE 2019