October has been a month of great celebration for the Academy.
We are thrilled Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her fundamental contributions to research in pure and applied mathematics. However, over the past 20 years or so Emeritus Professor Praeger has also made substantial contributions to the Academy’s governance as a member of Council and multiple committees, to international relations as Foreign Secretary, and as a leading Women in STEM promoter in Australia and internationally. Cheryl has been a trailblazer and role model for girls and women across the globe.
The Prime Minister’s science prizes also recognised Associate Professor Laura Mackay and Associate Professor Elizabeth New, whose achievements were acknowledged by the Academy earlier this year through our honorific awards.
And from the Academy, the Academy Medal—which recognises outstanding contributions to science by means other than through scientific research—was awarded jointly to the head of the Australian Space Agency Dr Megan Clark and Australian businessman Peter Yates .
Congratulations to all recipients, and to the many Fellows who are recognised each year by their peers and others for their great achievements.
Another achievement we celebrated was the attainment of 2 million likes (followers) on the Academy’s Facebook page, making credible science in video and written form available to millions. Our most popular videos have had more than 5 million views and we continue to raise awareness of important topics such as measles vaccinations.
Well done all and thank you for your support!
Anna-Maria Arabia
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
