Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska has been awarded Australia’s top prize for scientific research.
On Monday night, she received the coveted $250,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her pioneering work in the study of air quality, which provided vital insight in the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
A Queensland University of Technology physicist and internationally renowned air quality expert, Professor Morawska’s research was recognised by the Prime Minister’s Prize for redefining the science of air quality and reshaped policy advice to vastly improve how the world mitigates health risks of air pollution.
Born in Poland, Professor Morawska moved to Australia in 1991 and joined QUT. She established what is now known as the university’s International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, where she works as director.
Over two decades, she and her colleagues’ work on ultrafine particles has significantly improved global understanding of air pollution and its impacts on human health. Her expertise and leadership has also led to global recognition when she gathered nearly 240 scientists from around the world to raise awareness of the role of airborne Covid-19 transmission, prompting major changes to international health guidelines and infection control practices.
“Each year the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlight our country’s exceptional achievements,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Australia is a powerhouse of science, innovation and research which has a global impact- as is evident by the recognition of the work of Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska.”
“I congratulate and thank Professor Morawska for her incredible work over many years which influenced how Australia and the world mitigated risks associated with Covid-19.”
Australia’s top scientists, innovators and educators
Albanese extended congratulations to the other award recipients as well, which included recognition for innovation, teaching and an inaugural prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems, awarded to Professor Michael Wear, a Malgana Traditional Custodian of Shark Bay (Gutharraguda) in Western Australia.
Alongside Morawska, one other woman was recognised by the award. Mrs Paula Taylor was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary School for her role in transforming STEM education in ACT primary schools.
At the ACT Education Directorate’s Academy of Future Skills, Mrs Taylor has worked with more than 10,000 students and 480 classroom teachers.
She was given the award for having brought to the classroom innovative, real-life learning experiences that engage students of all abilities and inspire a lifelong passion for science.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said that its teachers like Mrs Taylor who “ignite a passion in our young people to pursue a career in STEM- paving the way for a skilled workforce of the future”.