Thank you, Rae for that introduction.

I, too, would like to acknowledge the Ngunnawal People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are meeting, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. 

I also pay my respects to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today, and thank you, Aunty Violet Sheridan, for another typically generous welcome to country. 

For more than 65,000 years Indigenous Australians have been observing, experimenting, and improving the world around them, passing on accrued knowledge to future generations in a systematic way. 

Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet, it’s wonderful to be here with you. 

I warmly acknowledge everyone from the various Australian Academies. 

My parliamentary colleagues: my Assistant Minister and the Member for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton; the Member for Sturt, Claire Clutterham; Senator Nita Green; Member for Bean, David Smith; Member for Chifley, Ed Husic; Member for Banks, Zhi Soon; Senator Jess Walsh; Senator Claire Chandler; and of course, the Prime Minister. 

And echoing the Prime Minister, I want to record my condolences to the family of Dr Jim Peacock, former Chief Scientist and a joint winner at the inaugural PM’s Prize for Science in the year 2000. 

This is my first Prime Minister’s Prizes as Minister for Science, and I am delighted to be here to celebrate some of Australia’s most talented scientists. 

I also want to thank the independent committees who have given their time and expertise to assessing these nominations, and who do that work with such integrity. 

In a country like Australia, brimming with scientific brilliance and world-class research capability, there are always plenty of deserving nominees. 

Tonight, we celebrate all of the brilliant minds — Indigenous Australians, scientists, researchers, innovators, and educators—whose work is pushing boundaries, solving real-world challenges, and shaping a brighter future for Australians and our global friends and communities. 

I was really pleased to see, a few weeks ago, another Australian, Professor Richard Robson, among the three scientists awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on metal-organic frameworks. 

That extraordinary accolade was a fitting tribute to him, to Australia, and to decades of scientific excellence directed towards a critical purpose. 

All of tonight’s recipients are making their own significant contributions to Australian science, drawing on different scientific disciplines and driving uniquely Australian achievements that really matter. 

We’ve heard about the vital work of Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska on mitigating risks of air pollution and the spread of COVID-19… 

…and we’ve heard about Dr Vikram Sharma’s work to enhance the security of digital technologies across the world. 

Dr Sharma’s award is apt, given 2025 is the International Year of Quantum, which celebrates 100 years of quantum science. 

It’s no accident that Australia is at the forefront of global quantum computing developments. 

And it is a testament to the strength of Australia’s growing quantum industry and its capabilities that previous recipients of the PM’s Prizes for Science have also worked at the cutting edge of quantum computing. 

We’ve had the distinct privilege of celebrating the first recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. 

My congratulations to Malgana man, Professor Michael Wear – a truly deserving recipient and a model for future nominees and recipients. 

I am also delighted to celebrate Paula Taylor and Matt Dodds – two great teachers who are fostering the great scientists of the future. 

When you hear about the passionate commitment of these science teachers to their work – to the craft of good education – it’s hard not to envy their students. 

All the great scientific careers have their origins in a good classroom education in science, and in specific acts of encouragement and inspiration in early life. 

Good teachers can show Australian students that science is more than just a subject—it’s a powerful way to understand and help improve the world. 

In an age of misinformation, our teachers also equip young Australians with critical thinking skills that are essential not only for our future scientists, but for every citizen. 

And as Paula knows, that training needs to start early. Her work with the ACT’s Academy of Future Skills has lifted the capabilities of more than 10,000 students and 480 classroom teachers. 

And just as importantly, good science teachers are important agents of economic and social equality, making sure that kids in regional and outer suburban Australia get the same opportunities as those in our cities. 

Matt Dodds performs that kind of work every day at Glen Innes High School, where he inspires curiosity about our world and the wider universe.  

He teaches in exactly the same chemistry and physics labs where I learnt high school science such a long time ago. 

I am so proud that my former high school features in these awards. 

A Future Made in Australia needs inspiring science teachers to give girls and boys the wonder of science and maths, engineering and technology, to drive them towards further studies and careers as scientists, working to solve our big national challenges. 

Australia is navigating geostrategic shifts, the transition to net zero and fast technological change. 

In this rapidly changing environment, one thing is for sure; our science and research capability is more important than ever.

The government's Future Made in Australia plan seeks to maximise productivity and industrial opportunities arising from the global energy system change underway, securing Australia's position amidst this global change.

You, the leading scientists, impactful science educators and Traditional Knowledge holders, are all key to that agenda. 

There’s enormous potential ahead for the future of Australian science, curiosity and hard work. 

I will shortly announce the remaining recipients. 

I am looking forward to returning next year to celebrate the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. 

And nominations are open now! 

The future of Australian science is diverse – let’s make sure our nominations reflect that. 

If we want the next generation to see what’s possible, we need to elevate and celebrate all of Australians who are leading the way today. 

I would like to thank all of you for coming together to mark the remarkable achievements of everyone recognised tonight. 

Congratulations, and have a great evening.