The NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering seek to recognise excellence in science and engineering, and reward leading researchers for cutting-edge work that has generated economic, environmental, health, social or technological benefits for New South Wales.
The Prizes aim to raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists and engineers make to our daily lives and encourage careers in both fields.
2024 NSW Scientist of the Year
Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO FASSA FAHMS: The Black Dog Institute
Scientia Professor Helen Christensen is a renowned international expert in digital mental health research, recognised for her transformative contributions to mental health research and policy. Specialising in digital interventions and suicide prevention, her work has significantly influenced mental health care practices both in Australia and globally.
Helen’s research is dedicated to using technology to prevent mental health issues and broaden public access to care. In 2000, she developed the digital intervention program, MoodGYM, to reduce depression in young people, which pioneered the provision of online self-help courses to address common mental disorders, and which have been used by millions of people across more than 160 countries.
Prize for Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics
Professor Susan Coppersmith FRSN FAA MNAS FAIP: UNSW Sydney
Professor Susan Coppersmith is a renowned theoretical physicist who has made fundamental advances in the study of multiple complex condensed matter systems, including granular materials, biomaterials and quantum computers. Her work has significantly enhanced our understanding of crystalline components and developed unifying theories across diverse areas such as population biology and superfluidity.
Prize for Excellence in Biological Sciences
Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen FRSN FAA FASM: Macquarie University
Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen is a world-leading researcher in microbiology and a pioneer in microbial genomics and synthetic biology. He has developed the infrastructure and capabilities to harness the potential of synthetic biology, positioning Australia as a global leader in this transformative field. He is Founder and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.
Prize forExcellence in Medical Biological Sciences
Professor Stuart Tangye FAHMS FCIS: The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Sydney
Professor Stuart Tangye is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and an international leader in human molecular and cellular immunology and inborn errors of immunity (IEI).
Stuart’s research has uncovered the molecular requirements for human immune cells to effectively protect us against infectious diseases.
Prize for Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo FIEEE FIET FACS FAAIA Australian Laureate Fellow: University of Wollongong
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo is a global leader in the field of cybersecurity, cryptology and information security. His research focuses on enhancing cybersecurity through innovative solutions & cryptographic algorithms, with applications in cloud computing, blockchain & enterprise systems. His pioneering work on post-quantum cryptography aims to secure data & transactions in the quantum era.
Prize for NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year: Biological Sciences
Dr Ira Deveson: The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Sydney
Dr Ira Deveson is an early career researcher in clinical genomics dedicated to adopting novel genomic technologies to improve human health outcomes. Ira has established strong networks with industry, clinical and academic collaborators, delivering nationally significant translation research outcomes. In 2020, he led research establishing sequencing methods for rapid SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in NSW.
Prize for NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year: Physical Sciences
Dr Jiayan Liao: University of Technology Sydney
Dr Jiayan Liao is an expert in nanotechnology, specialising in developing next-generation bioanalytical and imaging tools, as well as advanced detection techniques. She established techniques and protocols for high-performance nanoprobes, enabling high-precision single-molecule assays and multiplexed cancer biomarker testing at the nanoscale. Her innovative approaches are revolutionising early disease detection and monitoring.
Prize for Leadership in Innovation in NSW
Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle FRSN FIEEE FIEAust: University of Technology Sydney
Professor Karu Esselle is a world leader in electromagnetic, antenna and radio frequency engineering. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the fields of telecommunications and defence. He won the 2023 Eureka Prize-winning ‘MetaSteering’, a novel antenna beam steering method that has been adopted worldwide by industry, governments and academics to solve challenges in telecommunications and defence systems.
Prize for Innovation in Public Sector Science and Engineering
Dr Annette Cowie: NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England
Dr Annette Cowie is a prominent climate scientist and policy advisor known for her cross-disciplinary research on climate change mitigation in the land sector. Internationally recognised as an authority in her field, Annette’s work balances production and environmental objectives, promoting sustainability and enhancing resilience to climate change and other shocks.
Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW
Jodie Attenborough: Tottenham Central School and the NSW Department of Education
Jodie Attenborough is a dedicated mathematics educator with a deep commitment to public education, particularly in rural and remote settings. Recognised for her innovative approach, Jodie creates accessible and engaging educational content that fosters a diverse and positive learning environment, enhancing student interest and participation.
Read more about the achievements of all the 2024 prize winners
The NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering seek to recognise excellence in science and engineering, and reward leading researchers for cutting-edge work that has generated economic, environmental, health, social or technological benefits for New South Wales.
The Prizes aim to raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists and engineers make to our daily lives and encourage careers in both fields.
2024 NSW Scientist of the Year
Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO FASSA FAHMS: The Black Dog Institute
Scientia Professor Helen Christensen is a renowned international expert in digital mental health research, recognised for her transformative contributions to mental health research and policy. Specialising in digital interventions and suicide prevention, her work has significantly influenced mental health care practices both in Australia and globally.
Helen’s research is dedicated to using technology to prevent mental health issues and broaden public access to care. In 2000, she developed the digital intervention program, MoodGYM, to reduce depression in young people, which pioneered the provision of online self-help courses to address common mental disorders, and which have been used by millions of people across more than 160 countries.
Prize for Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics
Professor Susan Coppersmith FRSN FAA MNAS FAIP: UNSW Sydney
Professor Susan Coppersmith is a renowned theoretical physicist who has made fundamental advances in the study of multiple complex condensed matter systems, including granular materials, biomaterials and quantum computers. Her work has significantly enhanced our understanding of crystalline components and developed unifying theories across diverse areas such as population biology and superfluidity.
Prize for Excellence in Biological Sciences
Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen FRSN FAA FASM: Macquarie University
Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen is a world-leading researcher in microbiology and a pioneer in microbial genomics and synthetic biology. He has developed the infrastructure and capabilities to harness the potential of synthetic biology, positioning Australia as a global leader in this transformative field. He is Founder and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.
Prize for Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences
Professor Stuart Tangye FAHMS FCIS: The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Sydney
Professor Stuart Tangye is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and an international leader in human molecular and cellular immunology and inborn errors of immunity (IEI).
Stuart’s research has uncovered the molecular requirements for human immune cells to effectively protect us against infectious diseases.
Prize for Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo FIEEE FIET FACS FAAIA
Australian Laureate Fellow: University of Wollongong
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo is a global leader in the field of cybersecurity, cryptology and information security. His research focuses on enhancing cybersecurity through innovative solutions & cryptographic algorithms, with applications in cloud computing, blockchain & enterprise systems. His pioneering work on post-quantum cryptography aims to secure data & transactions in the quantum era.
Prize for NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year: Biological Sciences
Dr Ira Deveson: The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Sydney
Dr Ira Deveson is an early career researcher in clinical genomics dedicated to adopting novel genomic technologies to improve human health outcomes. Ira has established strong networks with industry, clinical and academic collaborators, delivering nationally significant translation research outcomes. In 2020, he led research establishing sequencing methods for rapid SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in NSW.
Prize for NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year: Physical Sciences
Dr Jiayan Liao: University of Technology Sydney
Dr Jiayan Liao is an expert in nanotechnology, specialising in developing next-generation bioanalytical and imaging tools, as well as advanced detection techniques. She established techniques and protocols for high-performance nanoprobes, enabling high-precision single-molecule assays and multiplexed cancer biomarker testing at the nanoscale. Her innovative approaches are revolutionising early disease detection and monitoring.
Prize for Leadership in Innovation in NSW
Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle FRSN FIEEE FIEAust: University of Technology Sydney
Professor Karu Esselle is a world leader in electromagnetic, antenna and radio frequency engineering. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the fields of telecommunications and defence. He won the 2023 Eureka Prize-winning ‘MetaSteering’, a novel antenna beam steering method that has been adopted worldwide by industry, governments and academics to solve challenges in telecommunications and defence systems.
Prize for Innovation in Public Sector Science and Engineering
Dr Annette Cowie: NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England
Dr Annette Cowie is a prominent climate scientist and policy advisor known for her cross-disciplinary research on climate change mitigation in the land sector. Internationally recognised as an authority in her field, Annette’s work balances production and environmental objectives, promoting sustainability and enhancing resilience to climate change and other shocks.
Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW
Jodie Attenborough: Tottenham Central School and the NSW Department of Education
Jodie Attenborough is a dedicated mathematics educator with a deep commitment to public education, particularly in rural and remote settings. Recognised for her innovative approach, Jodie creates accessible and engaging educational content that fosters a diverse and positive learning environment, enhancing student interest and participation.
Read more about the achievements of all the 2024 prize winners
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