Australian Scientist Wins Top Prize for COVID Airborne Transmission Research

Professor Lidia Morawska, a leading aerosol physicist and air quality expert at Queensland University of Technology, was awarded Australia's prestigious Prime Minister's Prize for Science for her groundbreaking research on airborne transmission of COVID-19 and air quality. Morawska played a critical role early in the pandemic by rallying 239 scientists worldwide to challenge the World Health Organization's initial claims that COVID-19 was not airborne, which ultimately led to revised global health guidelines. Her work highlighted the significant role of ultrafine particles in respiratory health, emphasizing their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, areas not yet widely regulated. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in 2021, Morawska's research has reshaped ventilation and health policies worldwide. She expressed concern about the current "age of anti-science," particularly in the United States, and advocates for united scientific voices to influence policy decisions effectively. The $250,000 award will help spotlight the critical importance of air quality research in public health.