Nobel Prize Winners

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (14:35): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Science and Information Economy a question about honouring two of our state's Nobel Prize winners.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: The need to dramatically increase the uptake of interest by school students in studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics has become critical for all modern economies. Surely, an understanding of the circumstances of our own local high achievers would help young people imagine themselves working in these fields. Next year will mark the 100^th anniversary of the first Nobel Prize awarded to an Australian scientist. Minister, will you inform the chamber as to how this event will be commemorated?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:36): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. In 1915 the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to William Henry Bragg and his son, William Lawrence Bragg, at the very tender age of 25. Adelaide-born William Lawrence Bragg became the first Australian Nobel Prize winner, and to this day he remains Australia's youngest winner.

From their origins in Adelaide, the father and son team developed a breakthrough method for analysis of crystal structures by means of X-rays. Their research made possible an astonishing list of scientific advances, including the discovery of the structure of DNA and also advanced radiation therapy for cancer, solid state electronics, modern pharmaceuticals, superconductivity, and radio astronomy.

This remarkable story still provides an example of the benefits of scientific research. Even though Adelaide was geographically distant from European research centres at the time, this was no impediment to the high level of scientific inquiry for the Braggs and, of course, they weren't able to hook up globally through IT networks.

The Bragg Initiative—a four-year project aimed to increase community engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)—has produced an educational DVD about the Braggs. Entitled Driven to Diffraction, the production is by Linda Cooper, and this 55-minute documentary aimed at school-age children has just been distributed free to schools around South Australia.

It is backed up by comprehensive STEM-focused educational resources on the website of the Royal Institution Australia (RiAus) and is also another example of an outcome of the Bragg Initiative. The website is aimed at igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for the sciences amongst young people and is a suitable manner to honour the enormous passion for communicating science that was a life-long commitment of both these men.

During 2015, RiAus will have a number of other initiatives highlighting the work of our famous father and son scientific duo. One of their most significant scientific memorials is the University of Adelaide's recently-opened science and research building, aptly named The Braggs which houses the world-leading Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing. It is a fitting legacy for Bragg senior, in particular, who was Elder Professor of Mathematics and Experimental Physics at Adelaide University for more than 20 years.

The advanced research work being undertaken in the new building has, at its very foundations, the breakthrough science that was initiated a century before at the Adelaide University on North Terrace. The significance of their work will resonate for centuries to come, and it is our responsibility to keep alive and vibrant the passionate interest in science and the possibilities that are shared by all scientists.