The 25th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science celebrates the outstanding contribution made by scientists, innovators and teachers to uplifting Australia’s way of life.
Ground-breaking research into children’s anaesthesia, life-saving treatments for blood cancer, and novel paths to creating a net zero future are awarded in this year’s ceremony.
2024 prize winners
Prime Minister’s Prize for Science: Professor Matthew Bailes is recognised for his world-first discovery of fast radio bursts. An expert in astrophysics, his work is helping to determine how much normal matter exists in the universe.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation: Professor Andrew F. Wilks and Dr Chris Burns are recognised for inventing and commercialising a drug called momelotinib that is used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare form of blood cancer.
Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year: Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is recognised for her life-changing research into reducing risks associated with anaesthesia for children, to make surgery and recovery safer.
Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year: Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma from RMIT University is recognised for groundbreaking work in renewable energy, which could support Australia in its clean energy transition and the path to net zero.
Prize for New Innovators: Dr Andrew Horsley, founder of Quantum Brilliance, is recognised for his groundbreaking innovations towards making quantum computing an everyday technology, unlocking a range of potential new applications for the field in Australia and abroad.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools: Mr Daniel Edwards from Montello Primary School in Tasmania is recognised for creating unique opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds to overcome challenges, engage with STEM subjects and consider a career in science.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools: Ms Alice Leung from Concord High School is recognised for her creative teaching strategies to equip students from diverse backgrounds with STEM knowledge and skills for the future.
Teaching valued
The Albanese Government announced that from this year, more money will be available for the teaching prizes so that recipients receive the same amount as the other major prize categories.
This change recognises the critical role that our teachers play in fostering engagement by children from all backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The achievements of all 2024 prize recipients can be found here, including short video interviews.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this year’s winners showed the breadth and depth of Australia’s scientific talent.
‘Australia has world-class scientists, researchers and teachers, he said. ‘This year’s winners show just how bright the future is for Australian science. On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate the 2024 prize recipients and thank them for their contributions.’
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the prizes highlighted the potential of our science sector. ‘Science is at the heart of so much of Australia’s way of life – from medicines, to robotics, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.
‘The great ideas and hard work of our scientists and researchers are creating a better life for all Australians,’ he said.
‘This government recognises our brilliant science teachers who are inspiring the next generation of Australian scientists. To every young person out there – know that as a scientist, you can make a huge difference to the world and even the universe.’
Major prize winner Professor Matthew Bailes speaks about his research in this short video:
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