Air quality pioneer and applied science Fellow recognised with Prime Minister’s Prize for Science

With a career dedicated to improving human health through a deep understanding of air pollution and indoor air quality, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering is proud to celebrate that Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska FTSE FAA has been awarded the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. A new Fellow of the Academy this year, her work is globally recognised as redefining air pollution science. In particular, her evidence-based leadership on practical health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 informed public health interventions that saved lives all over the world.

A preeminent applied scientist, Professor Morawska’s work shows the impact of science when it is translated into effective policy, practices and standards. By helping to shape the World Health Organization’s Global Air Quality Guidelines, she has informed the design of healthy buildings and influenced ventilation and indoor air quality standards across sectors.

Also awarded during the ceremony was Professor Michael Wear, the inaugural winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. ATSE is pleased to have been able to share its experience from the creation of its own Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award in 2023, helping to inform this important new Prime Minister’s Prize. Having been consulted by other organisations seeking to establish their own awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists, ATSE is a leader in helping to bring Traditional Knowledge to the fore in the Australian STEM space.

ATSE is pleased to recognise long-time supporter of its STELR hands-on science education program, Paula Taylor from the ACT Education Directorate. A specialist STEM teacher and head of the ACT’s Academy of Future Skills, she has been awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. A strong advocate for teaching scientific thinking and reasoning skills through authentic and hands-on investigations, she has undoubtedly shaped the lives of many children through her teaching and support.