Professor Morawska (pictured above), who is director of both the ARC Centre for Advanced Building Systems against Airborne Infection Transmission and QUT’s International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, is a world leader in the science of atmospheric pollution.
Professor Morawska’s research into ultrafine particles – tiny pollutants small enough to enter the bloodstream – has reshaped the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global air quality guidelines and improved how the world addresses air pollution and its impact on health and the environment.
This work was the basis of the European Parliament’s Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for the people of Europe.
Her research and global advocacy into indoor air quality and building better, healthier ventilation systems in indoor spaces has advanced public health practices in building safer schools, workplaces, hospitals and public spaces, improving health, wellbeing, productivity and potential to lean and thrive.
Her findings about how airborne particles behave in indoor settings have also helped improved air quality inside public buildings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Morawska’s leadership in demonstrating the importance of the virus’ spread through the air prompted WHO and health authorities worldwide to recognise airborne transmission of the virus and change control strategies to combat it, helping to save countless lives.
Professor Morawska said the driving force for her work was scientific curiosity.
“However, science without purpose is not enough. My purpose is to improve health, improve lives and improve the wellbeing of society,” she said.
“I’m not looking back on what has already been done but looking forward to how much is still to be done.
“Receiving the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science is incredible and the most important recognition I’ve received in my life. It allows our community to see the importance of the field of science and the impact of air quality in our world.”
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said QUT was thrilled that Distinguished Professor Morawska had received recognition for her groundbreaking research which had redefined air pollution science and translated it into real-world applications for improving indoor and outdoor air quality.
“Professor Morawska has achieved major breakthroughs in our understanding of the role of airborne particles in a wide range of contexts,” Professor Sheil said.
“Often she had to challenge the established paradigms and now she is advocating for the establishment of indoor air quality standards for Australian workers.”
Professor Morawska has received multiple accolades including: being elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; receiving a prestigious Australian Academy of Science award; being elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering; being named in 2021 one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most influential People in the World; and, a 2023 L-Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Laureate.
For more information on the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science.
Top image: QUT Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
🎥 Watch the PM Prize Department video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmkE63ahKBk
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