The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science have always been a highlight on the Australian scientific calendar, and this year’s event at the Australian Parliament House was no exception. The night celebrated the nation’s brightest minds, teachers, and researchers whose innovative work is making significant contributions to science and technology.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a powerful speech, highlighting the vital role of educators in shaping future generations. “Teachers don’t just unlock doors of opportunity—they hold them open for countless others to follow. The role teachers play is vital to our future,” said the Prime Minister, acknowledging the pivotal role of educators in fostering curiosity and innovation.
In a major announcement, the Prime Minister revealed that the prizes for excellence in primary and secondary science teaching will be increased to $250,000 from next year. He also introduced a new category to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, also valued at $250,000, set to recognise and celebrate the unique contributions of Indigenous knowledge to Australian science.
Honouring Dr Cathy Foley’s Contributions
The event also marked a moment of gratitude for outgoing Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley, who received an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience in recognition of her dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the nation. Dr Foley’s work has been instrumental in shaping Australia’s scientific landscape, and her legacy will continue to inspire the scientific community.
Recognising Groundbreaking Research and Innovation
The prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Science was awarded to Professor Matthew Bailes, Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), for his pioneering work in astrophysics. Professor Bailes has significantly advanced our understanding of the universe, contributing to the discovery and timing of millisecond pulsars and the Fast Radio Bursts. His research team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space science has been recognised globally, and their work is driving the future of astrophysics.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Bailes shared the ethos behind his work, stating, “Teams can unlock the secrets of the universe.” As a former Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, he continues to lead impactful research projects, such as the MeerTime collaboration using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa to explore relativistic gravity.
Celebrating Innovation in Science and Technology
The 2024 New Innovator Prize was awarded to Dr Andrew Horsley for his groundbreaking advancements in synthetic diamond-based quantum computing. Dr Horsley’s innovations include an atomically precise fabrication technique and an integrated quantum chip design, which have the potential to transform the future of computing by enabling room-temperature quantum systems comparable in size and efficiency to classical computers. His work set the foundation for Quantum Brilliance, a company he co-founded that has become a global leader in diamond quantum technology.
Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre has been a proud partner of Quantum Brilliance since 2021, working together to explore the integration of quantum accelerators into supercomputing environments. This partnership has led to the installation of the world’s first diamond-based quantum computing system at Pawsey, paving the way for future breakthroughs.
Celebrating Western Australia’s Own
We are proud to highlight that Western Australia and Pawsey researcher Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg was named the 2024 Life Scientist of the Year. As the Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia at The University of Western Australia and Director of the Institute for Paediatric Perioperative Excellence, Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg has made groundbreaking contributions to reducing the risks associated with anaesthesia for children. Her research has transformed paediatric perioperative care, enhancing safety and minimising complications worldwide.
A Milestone for Australian Innovation: Cytopia’s Success Story
The Innovator of the Year award went to Dr Chris Burns and Professor Andrew Wilks for their work with Cytopia, which led to the development of Momelotinib—a breakthrough drug used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare and devastating bone marrow disease. Their discovery, which began in Melbourne in the late 1990s, has turned into a global success. In 2022, pharmaceutical giant GSK purchased the drug, and it is now set to become a billion-dollar global success after receiving approval from the US regulators.
Professor Wilks, Managing Director of SYNthesis BioVentures, reflected on the long journey from discovery to commercialisation, highlighting the need for Australian researchers to prioritise translating their work into real-world applications. His success story is a powerful reminder of the impact of Australian science on global healthcare.
Congratulations to All the Winners and Finalists!
The 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlighted the exceptional contributions of Australia’s scientific community. Among the esteemed recipients was RMIT University’s Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma, awarded the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year for his pioneering work in developing low-cost green hydrogen production technology and advancements in carbon capture and utilisation. Daniel Edwards, from Montello Primary School in Tasmania, was honoured with the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools for his innovative STEM and digital technologies program and his work founding the charity Green STEM Education. In the Secondary Schools category, Alice Leung from Concord High School in New South Wales was recognised for creating programs that enhance access to scientific vocabulary for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
But the evening wasn’t just about celebrating current achievements—it was also a reminder of the importance of acknowledging those who shape the future of science in Australia. Recognising our top researchers, innovators, and educators is a powerful way to support the advancement of STEM fields and inspire the next generation.
Do you know a researcher, educator, or innovator whose work is making a significant impact? Nominating them for the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes is easier than you might think! The process involves submitting an online form outlining their achievements and how their work has contributed to advancing science and education in Australia. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on those who deserve national recognition for their dedication and hard work.
Visit the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science nomination page to learn more and get started.
For more information about the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science and the full list of winners, visit the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science website.
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