Top Australian scientists & educators honoured with PM’s awards

The recipients of the 2025 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science have been announced, recognising outstanding achievements in scientific research, innovation, knowledge systems practice, and science teaching across Australia.

The Prime Minister's Prize for Science has been awarded to Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska from Queensland University of Technology for her research into air quality. Professor Morawska is acclaimed for her pioneering work on the air we breathe and for translating scientific discoveries into actionable interventions for public health and the environment. Her expertise in air quality has contributed to improving understanding and policies surrounding human health impacts and atmospheric conditions.

Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska is recognised for pioneering research about the air we breathe and translating scientific discoveries into actions that safeguard public health and our environment. Professor Morawska is a world-renowned expert in the study of air quality and its impact on human health and the environment at Queensland University of Technology.

The Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation has gone to Dr Vikram Sharma, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of QuintessenceLabs. Dr Sharma is credited with translating advances in Australian quantum science into practical cybersecurity solutions now used internationally. His contributions have shaped company practices for information protection, supporting the global cybersecurity landscape.

Dr Vikram Sharma is recognised for translating deep Australian research in quantum science into world-leading cyber security solutions that are used by companies around the world to protect information. Dr Sharma is the Founder and CEO of QuintessenceLabs, a world-leading quantum cyber security company.

The Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year has been presented to Dr David Khoury of the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Dr Khoury utilises applied mathematics to translate scientific studies into evidence-based recommendations, guiding decision-making on drug development for malaria and informing vaccine policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and for mpox.

Dr David Khoury of the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, is recognised for using applied mathematics to translate scientific research into actionable evidence, which has guided drug development for malaria and vaccine policies for COVID-19 and mpox.

The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year has been awarded to Professor Yao Zheng from the University of Adelaide. Professor Zheng is recognised for his research in producing clean hydrogen directly from seawater, a process that is set to contribute to the expansion of Australia's green hydrogen industry in support of the nation's net zero transition.

Professor Yao Zheng of The University of Adelaide, is recognised for his groundbreaking work to produce clean hydrogen directly from seawater, helping to accelerate Australia's green hydrogen industry in the transition to net zero.

For emerging talent, the Prize for New Innovators has been awarded to Dr Nikhilesh Bappoo, co-founder of Western Australia's VeinTech and Lubdub. Dr Bappoo is commended for developing accessible medical technology solutions designed to improve healthcare delivery and reduce preventable loss of life due to complex, inaccessible, or late medical interventions.

Dr Nikhilesh Bappoo is recognised for novel and accessible medical technologies, driven by his vision of a world where no life is lost because healthcare was too complex, too late or out of reach. He is the co-founder of VeinTech and Lubdub, two medical technology companies based in Western Australia.

The Prime Minister's Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems has been granted to Professor Michael Wear, a Malgana Traditional Custodian from Shark Bay (Gutharraguda), Western Australia. Professor Wear is identified for establishing a model that strengthens Indigenous livelihoods through the engaged practice of Aboriginal knowledge in conservation and sustainable commercial activity, including the founding of Tidal Moon, said to be Australia's first Indigenous-owned and led sea cucumber fishery and marine restoration business.

Professor Michael Wear is recognised for developing a model that improves Indigenous livelihoods through the respectful practice of Aboriginal knowledge systems for Sea Country conservation and sustainable commercial practices. Professor Wear is a Malgana Traditional Custodian of Shark Bay (Gutharraguda) in Western Australia. He founded Tidal Moon, Australia's first Indigenous-owned and led sea cucumber fishery and marine restoration enterprise.

In the science teaching categories, Mrs Paula Taylor has received the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. Working for the ACT Education Directorate's Academy of Future Skills, co-located with Caroline Chisholm School in Canberra, Mrs Taylor is recognised for fostering transformative STEM teaching methods. Her approach is noted for delivering real-life learning experiences that inspire and engage students of all abilities in the sciences.

Mrs Paula Taylor from the ACT Education Directorate's Academy of Future Skills (co-located with Caroline Chisholm School) in Canberra, is recognised for transforming STEM education in primary schools in the ACT with innovative, real-life learning experiences that engage students of all abilities and inspire a lifelong passion for science.

For secondary education, Mr Matt Dodds, a physics and biology teacher at Glen Innes High School in New South Wales, has been awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools. Mr Dodds is acknowledged for utilising creative approaches to equip students from regional and diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills required for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Physics and Biology teacher, Mr Matt Dodds from Glen Innes High School in New South Wales, is recognised for his creative teaching methods to equip students from rural areas and diverse backgrounds with the STEM knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their futures.