The Australian Research Council (ARC) celebrates Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska for being awarded the 2023 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Laureate for Asia and the Pacific for research excellence in the field of air quality and its impact on human health.
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Professor Morawska heralded warnings for authorities to recognise the importance of airborne transmission of COVID-19 instead of focusing on transmission from respiratory droplets on surfaces. Her research and advocacy prompted the World Health Organisation to update its advice on COVID-19 – preventing millions of infections and saving countless lives.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Ms Judi Zielke PSM congratulated Professor Morawska on her award.
“I am pleased that Professor Morawska’s extraordinary research has been recognised with this prestigious award and for her contribution to addressing one of the most extreme global health challenges of recent time. She is to be commended for her incredibly important work.”
“The ARC is proud to have supported Professor Morawska’s research career since 2002 through the ARC’s grants schemes, including through her 2022 Australian Laureate Fellowship,” Ms Zielke said.
Professor Morawska’s research is in the interdisciplinary field of air pollution, and its impact on human health and the environment. Her extraordinary dedication and impact have built a bridge from fundamental science to real-world policy and practice to provide clean air for all.
The annual L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards are presented to 5 outstanding women scientists in recognition of their scientific accomplishments. Each scientist has a unique career path combining exceptional talent, a deep commitment to her profession and remarkable courage in a field still largely dominated by men.
Professor Morawska was named one of the TIME100 world’s most influential people for 2021 for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
