Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Dr Cathy Foley says ‘science is humanity’s superpower’.
It’s my great honour to be with all of you tonight, as we celebrate the super heroes of Australian science.
Some of our nation’s leading scientists and science teachers.
People advancing the frontiers of discovery – and inspiring a new generation to discover a love of science.
The breadth and the quality of all the nominees gathered here tonight speaks for just how important science is to the whole of our nation’s future.
Science is vital to solving the biggest challenges we face — from pandemics to climate change.
And science is central to unlocking the next generation of opportunities – creating new jobs, powering new industries, boosting our productivity and helping us embrace new technologies.
In a world of rapid change, science is essential for Australia to compete and succeed as a smart, skilled and productive nation.
Science will ensure that Australia can shape the future – rather than letting the future shape us.
This is why Ed Husic holds the twin portfolios of Minister for Science – and Minister for Industry.
It’s why science, technology and innovation will be high on the agenda during my visit to Washington DC next week.
And it’s why our Government is currently updating Australia’s science and research priorities.
Because a great deal has changed since these were last published in 2015.
And these updated priorities — together with the National Science Statement — will provide a clear vision and direction for Australian science going forward.
So that we can better align our efforts and investments for the benefit all Australians.
Part of this is strengthening the culture of research and discovery.
Encouraging more Australians from all walks of life to study science at school and to pursue it at university.
And recognising the valuable role that basic research plays in Australia’s scientific strength – because not every transformative breakthrough begins with a commercial product already in mind.
Scientific discovery is – by its nature – a journey into the unknown. So we need to nourish a research and investment culture that’s comfortable with the idea that the destination won’t always be mapped out.
And equally, we have to make sure that we have the supporting structure in place so that when the next Australian scientist discovers the next cochlear implant, or cervical cancer vaccine, they don’t have to look overseas for the next step, the commercialisation and manufacturing opportunities.
One of the most fundamental lessons of the pandemic was the need for greater resilience and self‑reliance in our economy, the capacity to make more things here.
So we can back our innovators, translate and commercialise our innovations, build the industries and jobs that support them here at home, and then export them to the world.
This is vital to our economy – and it’s crucial to repaying and rewarding the efforts of our scientists and innovators.
For example, as you know, Australia has been a global pioneer in quantum research for decades.
Our Government wants to translate that advantage into thriving quantum industries that boost our economic competitiveness and help solve our biggest national challenges.
That’s why Minister Ed Husic released Australia’s first-ever National Quantum Strategy in May.
And our National Reconstruction Fund will target $1 billion towards critical technologies like quantum.
We’ve also prioritised the development of a National Battery Strategy to help boost investment in battery technology in Australia.
And we are exploring the enormous potential of Australia’s vast reserves of critical minerals and rare earths.
Biotechnology is another area of tremendous potential.
And I’m delighted that Australia will be one of very few countries in the world with an end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capability.
All of this is about ensuring that discoveries we make in Australia – become products made in Australia.
Friends, whether you are being honoured here tonight as an outstanding scientist or an outstanding educator of scientists.
I want to conclude by saying that Australia is lucky to have you.
Thank you for everything you do – and congratulations to you all.