2019 Australian Museum Eureka Prize finalist - Professor Michael J. Biercuk
Congratulations to our founder & CEO, Professor Michael J Biercuk on being announced as a Finalist in the 2019 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for ‘Promoting Understanding of Science’.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the country’s most comprehensive national science awards, honouring excellence across the areas of research & innovation, leadership, science engagement, and school science.
Michael was also recently selected to receive an award as part of the 2019 University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, in the category of Outstanding Research Engagement and Innovation.
The ‘Promoting Understanding of Science’ prize is designed to recognise and encourage the efforts of an individual scientist working in any of the STEMM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or medical research) who is effectively and consistently making their area of scientific expertise accessible, relevant and engaging to a broad public audience.
Addressing his selection as a finalist, Professor Biercuk said, “Quantum technology, harnessing quantum physics as a resource, is likely to be as transformational in the 21st century as harnessing electricity was in the 19th. Through my academic role at the University of Sydney, and as the Founder and CEO of Q-CTRL, I’ve made sharing this message my priority.”
“In science, education, and business, I believe it’s a focus on storytelling and human connection that leads to success. I’m always grateful for the opportunity I have to share my excitement about the quantum future.”
Professor Michael Biercuk is a globally recognised leader in the cutting-edge field of quantum technology and a constant figure in the public domain. He is both founder and CEO of Australia's first venture-capital-backed quantum technology company, Q-CTRL, and a public scientist and intellectual through his role in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. He informs, educates and creates enthusiasm not only for quantum science, but a broad range of scientific matters and how they relate to public policy.
Committed to positively impacting Australia’s culture and its perceptions of science and technology, Michael leads public debates on policy issues that affect science, higher education and society more broadly. He is one of the very few scientists and technologists in Australia who regularly engages with the public across all media platforms – TV, print, radio, online news, public panels and talks, TEDx, interviews, opinion pieces in mainstream and specialist publications, and on social media. He also pioneers innovative formats, including collaborations with watchmakers, performing artists, and even corporate giant Qantas, to reach new audiences and increase public participation with science.
His media commentary alone in the past 12 months is estimated to have reached 89 million people, according to reporting by Meltwater.
The winners of The Eureka Prize will be announced on Wednesday 28th August.
