Scientific achievement and invention
NOT IN THE TEST This part is worth reading, but the citizenship test never asks about it.
Australians have a strong record of scientific achievements in the fields of medicine, technology, agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
A number of Australians have been awarded the Nobel Prize for scientific and medical discoveries.
Scientific achievers have also received Australian of the Year Awards. In 2005, the award went to Professor Fiona Wood, who developed a spray-on skin for burns victims. In 2006, the award went to Professor Ian Frazer, who developed the cervical cancer vaccine. In 2007, Professor Tim Flannery, a leading environmental scientist, received the award.
Professor Wood and Professor Frazer both migrated to Australia from Britain. Professor Frazer’s co-inventor was the late Dr Jian Zhou, who migrated from China and also became an Australian citizen.
Dr Fiona Wood AM (born 1958)
Dr Wood is one of Australia’s most innovative and respected surgeons and researchers. A highly skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeon and world leading burns specialist, she has pioneered research and technology development in burns medicine.
Following her work with victims of the 2002 Bali bombings, Dr Wood was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003. Her contribution to burns care was recognised when she was named Australian of the Year in 2005.
Professor Fred Hollows (1929–1993)
Professor Fred Hollows was a passionate ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who helped restore eyesight to more than one million people in Australia and developing countries. Fred Hollows was born in New Zealand. In 1965, he moved to Australia and later became the head of an eye department at a Sydney hospital.
He believed strongly in equality for all people and helped set up the first Aboriginal Medical Service, of which there are now many around Australia.
By 1980, Fred Hollows was travelling all over the world to help set up eye health programs in developing countries. In April 1989, he became an Australian citizen.
Professor Hollows’ good work continues through The Fred Hollows Foundation.
From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet