Meet the first-ever winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems

Last night, Professor Michael Wear became the first ever winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems for his work applying traditional knowledge and skills to the restoration of the world’s largest seagrass meadow on his traditional lands at Shark Bay (Gutharraguda) in Western Australia.

Professor Wear isn’t just restoring a vital part of our ecosystem – he’s creating jobs for skilled First Nations divers and supporting young people to connect with and protect culture, too.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are some of the most prestigious scientific awards in the country, and it was a privilege to join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Science Tim Ayres to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing recognised in such a way.

Congratulations to Professor Wear and the entire team at Tidal Moon.