PROF GETS TOP GONG
A QUANTUM physics professor whose work has launched the nation into “the space race of the computing era” has been named Australian of the Year.
Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons has pioneered research that could lead to a quantum leap in computing and reshape the way everyday Australians live and experience the world.
The Sydneysider, who arrived in Australia on a one-way ticket from Britain in 1999, has transformed the University of NSW quantum physics department into a world leader in advanced computer systems.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made the announcement at Parliament House’s Great Hall last night.
Prof Simmons is the second from the field of science in as many years to take the honour, following on from pioneering adult stem cell researcher Alan Mackay-Sim in 2017.
She has pioneered unique technologies internationally to build electronic devices in silicon at the atomic scale, including in 2012 the world’s smallest transistor, the nar- rowest conducting wires and the first transistor where a single atom controls its operation.
Her aim is to build a quantum computer able to solve problems in minutes which would otherwise take thousands of years.
Such a discovery has the potential to revolutionise drug design, weather forecasting, self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence and much more.
Prof Simmons, 50, actively encourages all students challenge themselves and to achieve ambitious goals in science.
She has also been a vocal cam- paigner to encourage women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Star Matilda Sam Kerr, regarded as one of the best young footballers in the world, was named as Young Australian of the Year.
Prize-winning biophysicist Dr Graham Farquhar, who last year became the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize, was named Senior Australian of the Year.
Eddie Woo, head mathematics teacher at Cherrybrook Technology High School in Western Sydney, was named as Australia’s Local Hero.