ATSE Fellow recognised for lifesaving innovation at Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering congratulates our Fellow Prof Andrew Wilks FTSE FAA FAHMS for receiving, alongside his long-time collaborator Dr Chris Burns, the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation at last night’s Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

This prize recognises the pair’s outstanding contribution to drug discovery and development in Australia, including through the invention of the drug momelotinib used to treat a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis. In 2023, momelotinib was approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Elected to the Academy in 2007 and a recipient of the 2017 Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Prof Wilks has a track record of founding, advising and overseeing biotechnology companies in Australia and overseas. He is focused on investing in early-stage therapeutics and helping Australian biotechnology research reach the international market.

ATSE congratulates all recipients of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science: world-leading astronomer Professor Matthew Bailes, renewable energy leader Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma, children’s anaesthetist Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern Sternberg, quantum computing innovator Dr Andrew Horsley and primary and secondary school science teachers Daniel Edwards and Alice Leung.

Now in their 25^th year, the Prizes recognise significant achievements in science, innovation and science teaching.