Scientist Who Proved Covid Was Airborne Wins Australia’s Top Science Prize

The Australian scientist who helped alert the world that Covid-19 spreads through the air has received one of the nation’s highest scientific honours.

Professor Lidia Morawska of the Queensland University of Technology has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her pioneering research on air quality and airborne transmission, including her vital role in changing how the world understood the spread of Covid-19.

In early 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Covid-19 was not airborne, Morawska knew the science pointed otherwise. She quickly mobilised a coalition of 239 scientists from around the globe, urging health authorities to recognise the risks of airborne transmission. Their coordinated effort eventually forced the WHO and other global health agencies to update their guidance, reshaping public health policy during the pandemic.

For her work, Morawska was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2021. Now, her latest recognition — including a $250,000 prize — cements her status as one of the world’s foremost experts on air quality and health.

“This is an amazing joy,” Morawska said after receiving the award. “But most importantly, it shines a light on my field — the air we breathe.”

Her current research focuses on ultrafine particles, pollutants many times smaller than PM2.5 that can penetrate deep into the lungs and are thought to have even greater health risks. Despite their dangers, these particles remain largely unregulated. “Because they are so small, they can get deep into the human respiratory tract,” she said.

Morawska described her award as a win for science during what she called an “age of anti-science.” She expressed concern that scientific voices are being sidelined in policy-making. “In the United States, it’s a particularly difficult situation. Science and scientists are nowhere near as listened to as in the past, and decisions are not based on science,” she said.

She hopes to counter this trend by fostering collaboration among scientists worldwide. “If we operate individually, it’s very easy to reject us,” she explained. “But eventually, the voice of a large scientific body, which can be respected, hopefully will make a difference.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Morawska’s long-standing contributions. “I congratulate and thank Prof Morawska for her incredible work over many years which influenced how Australia and the world mitigated risks associated with Covid-19,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, now in their 26th year, recognise Australia’s top achievements in research, innovation, and education. This year also marked the first time a prize was awarded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, which went to Professor Michael Wear.