Lidia Morawska receives recognition from PM

Morawska is director of both the ARC Centre for Advanced Building Systems against Airborne Infection Transmission and QUT’s International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health.

Her research into ultrafine particles has reshaped the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global air quality guidelines and improved how the world addresses air pollution. This work was the basis of the European Parliament’s Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for the people of Europe.

Morawska’s research and global advocacy into indoor air quality and building better, healthier ventilation systems in indoor spaces has advanced public health practices in building safer schools, workplaces, hospitals and public spaces, improving health, wellbeing, productivity and potential to lean and thrive.

Her findings about how airborne particles behave in indoor settings have also helped improved air quality inside public buildings.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morawska’s leadership in demonstrating the importance of the virus’s spread through the air prompted WHO and health authorities worldwide to recognise airborne transmission of the virus and change control strategies to combat it, helping to save countless lives.

“Receiving the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science is incredible and the most important recognition I’ve received in my life,” Morawska says. “It allows our community to see the importance of the field of science and the impact of air quality in our world.”

Morawska is presenting at the Safer Air Project’s Safer shared air: Making the invisible visible conference in Canberra on Thursday, November 6.

---