Prime Minister’s Science award to two Melbournians
Laureate Professor Sam Berkovic and Professor Ingrid Scheffer have been awarded the Prize Minister’s for Science for revealing the genetics of epilepsy.
The prizes recognise the contributions that scientists and science teachers are making to Australia’s current and future scientific capabilities.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science were proudly presented to five of Australia’s exemplary scientists and science educators by the Prime Minister at a black tie celebratory dinner, held in the Great Hall of the Parliament House was attended by over 500 Members of Parliament, distinguished scientists, science educators, industry captains and prominent leaders of the science and education community.
This year’s $300,000 major prize, the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science was awarded jointly to Laureate Professor Sam Berkovic AC and Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO, both from the University of Melbourne, for their discoveries of links between epilepsy and genes which opened the way to better targeted research, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
Sam Berkovic told J-Wire: “It is a wonderful accolade for our whole team at the Austin Hospital and University of Melbourne.”
Professor Ingrid Scheffer
Professor Samuel Berkovic AM
