Astronomer wins 2012 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science were presented by the Prime Minister and Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, at the prize dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House yesterday.

Professor Ken Freeman, from the Australian National University (ANU), received the $300,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for almost 50 years’ work shaping and changing the human view of galaxies and the universe.

Professor Freeman is best known for his discovery that what we see of galaxies - as stars, gas and dust - is only a small fraction of their mass. The rest is dark matter.

He also founded the field of galactic archaeology. He is currently exploring the archaeology of the Milky Way and mentoring the next generation of astronomers.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young congratulated Professor Freeman on his award and said the university was extremely proud of his achievements.

“Professor Freeman’s work has added immeasurably to our understanding of the universe. He has played a pivotal role directing the course of astrological study, in Australia and internationally, over the past four decades,” he said.

“Many of the leading astronomy projects being undertaken today are a result of his research.

“Importantly, Professor Freeman is also an outstanding teacher and mentor. Many aspiring astronomers have benefited from his expertise and enthusiasm.

“The recognition afforded to Ken by the awarding of this prestigious prize is richly deserved.”

Eric May, from the University of Western Australia, received the $50,000 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year for his work towards making liquefied natural gas a cleaner resource.

Mark Shackleton, from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, received the $50,000 Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year. Shackleton’s work on breast cancer and melanoma is transforming our understanding of how cancers grow and resist treatment.

Michael van der Ploeg, assistant principal and specialist science teacher at Table Cape Primary School in Wynyard, has opened the world of science to students on Tasmania’s northwest coast. He received the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools.

Anita Trenwith, science teacher at Salisbury High School, north of Adelaide, received the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools. She has created a program that makes science accessible to special‐education students.