29 October 2014

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Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb has used the 2014 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science to reiterate the importance of science and research to the nation’s future.

“Science is awesome and we are too often muted in our recognition of it. These awards celebrate excellence, not just in these individuals, but in the national science enterprise that they represent.

“Inspired teachers, passionate researchers at all stages of their careers, innovators in industry who see the possibility that knowledge creates, and people throughout the community trained for science jobs, sharing science skills and wanting to know something today that we did not know yesterday.

“We honour them all tonight.”

Professor Chubb said the knowledge Australians continue to gain through science is critical national infrastructure requiring alignment, focus and scale to fully support individual effort.

“The prizes we are celebrating tonight are for excellence at every stage of the supply line – primary school and secondary school teaching of science, early to mid-career research in the life and physical sciences and significant work contributing to a better world.

“Tonight’s award winners are inspiring. They have devoted themselves to a goal and worked hard to achieve it. Their passion, persistence and patience are an inspiration to the millions of Australians who will benefit.

“Our nation stands stronger on the platform of science and we should all find a place on that platform.”

Media enquiries: Mick Bunworth 02 6102 8179 or 0410 029 407 Mick.Bunworth@chiefscientist.gov.au