Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We're joined today in the gallery by winners of the Prime Minister's science awards, held in the Great Hall last night. It was a wonderful event. I congratulate Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska of the Queensland University of Technology, who won the Prime Minister's Prize for Science for her study of air quality, which provided vital insights in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and redefined our understanding of air quality.

The Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation was won by Dr Vikram Sharma. The inaugural Prime Minister's Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems was particularly well received yesterday evening by Professor Michael Wear from Western Australia. The Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools was won by Mrs Paula Taylor and in Secondary Schools by Mr Matt Dodds for his creative teaching methods. His speech was particularly well received. The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year was won by Professor Yao Zheng, the Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year by Dr David Khoury and the Prize for New Innovators by Dr Nikhilesh Bappoo.

On behalf of the government and also on behalf of all Australians, I want to congratulate the incredible winners of the prizes for science. Every researcher, scientist, innovator and teacher there has made a truly remarkable contribution to Australian science. It was very uplifting to be in a room with a group of Australians who have devoted their lives to curiosity, to discovery and to the teaching of science not only for the benefit of all Australians but also for the benefit of future generations.

Across the spectrum, it was a wonderful evening, and I congratulate all the winners. It's important that, as a nation, we don't just celebrate our sporting achievements, which often get a big rap, but also acknowledge that Australia punches way above its weight with Nobel laureates and in other areas of innovation in science as well. Last night was a chance to celebrate that.

Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Each year the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science do, indeed, remind us that Australia punches well above its weight in scientific excellence, innovation and discovery. Started in 2000 under then prime minister John Howard, these awards recognise achievements in innovation, science teaching and scientific research. The awards were part of a broader push to elevate Australia's reputation in science and technology and to honour those whose work in science and innovation has had a profound impact on our nation and on the world.

This year's top honour, the Prime Minister's Prize for Science, was awarded to Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska for her groundbreaking research into airborne transmission, which has transformed worldwide infection control practices. Her work, quite literally, changed public health policies across the globe and continues to change lives today.

In recognition of his important work to help grow Australia's next generation of scientists and innovators, Mr Matt Dodds, from Glen Innes High School, was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools. Mr Dodds was recognised for his creative teaching methods to equip students from rural areas and diverse backgrounds with STEM knowledge and skills. It's always a great opportunity to thank our teachers, particularly when they are inspirational in this field. Importantly, these innovative methods have helped increase the number of female students studying physics at his school and pursuing higher education in STEM.

I also congratulate all nominees and award winners and thank them for the valuable contribution they are making. Together, these winners reflect the best of Australia's ingenuity through their scientific brilliance, entrepreneurial courage and commitment to sharing knowledge with the next generation. The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science remind us that when we invest in curiosity, creativity and collaboration we built a smarter, stronger and more resilient Australia.