New Australian Laureate Fellows to drive research and innovation

28 May 2024 

New Australian Laureate Fellows to drive research and innovation  

The Australian Research Council (ARC) today announced $58.3 million in funding over 5 years for 17 Australian Laureate Fellowships, supporting ground-breaking research excellence across a broad range of areas.  

ARC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Johnson, said the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme is an important part of the ARC’s Discovery Program. Cutting-edge senior researchers who can provide a supportive research environment for early-career researchers and conduct research for the benefit of national and international communities receive Australian Laureate Fellowships. 

“One 2024 Australian Laureate Fellow will work with scientific and government partners to develop mathematical modelling techniques to enhance Australia’s capability in responding to public health emergencies, while another will explore the role of the arts in effectively communicating the impact of climate change,” Dr Johnson said.  

“The Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme offers researchers the opportunity to design ambitious research programs around a team of postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students, which is vital for ensuring high-quality mentorship of Australia’s up-and-coming researchers.”  

The Australian Laureate Fellowships include two fellowships for women researchers who undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and to encourage outstanding female early-career researchers to pursue a research career in Australia.  

The Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship supports research in the humanities, arts and social science disciplines, which is awarded to Professor Jacqueline Peel. Professor Peel’s research aims to accelerate policy and law reform for rapidly reducing corporate emissions to net zero, transforming international law’s role in ensuring the delivery of companies' climate promises.  

The Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship supports research in the science and technology disciplines. In 2024, this Fellowship is awarded to Professor Hongxia Wang whose research aims to make solar cells, found in solar panels, highly efficient at energy conversion and more durable, maximising their cost-effectiveness and useful life.   

For more information on the Australian Laureate Fellowships schemes and the 2024 Australian Laureate Fellows and their research project details, please visit the ARC website.  

Media contact:  

ARC Communications 0412 623 056 or communications@arc.gov.au