John Shine awarded Prime Minister's Prize for Science

Professor John Shine, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and Director of the Garvan Institute in Sydney, has won the 2010 Prime Minister's Prize for Science.

He received a solid gold medallion and a $300,000 award for his scientific discoveries and research leadership at a prize dinner at Parliament House.

While at the Australian National University in the 1970s, Shine discovered the DNA sequence, now known as the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, which directs bacteria to start making a protein. Subsequently, in San Francisco, he and his colleagues developed procedures for cloning human genes in bacteria, thereby enabling mass production of vital proteins such as insulin and growth factor.

President of the Academy Professor Suzanne Cory said, "The award of the 2010 Prime Minister's Science Prize to Professor John Shine is richly deserved. His pioneering contributions helped launch the biotechnology revolution that has driven unprecedented advances in the life sciences and transformed medicine and agriculture."

John Shine has had a long association with the Australian Academy of Science. He was awarded the Academy's Gottschalk Medal for distinguished research in biological or medical sciences in 1982 and was elected as a Fellow of the Academy in 1994. He served on its Council for periods from 1998 to 2007 - as Secretary for Biological Sciences from 2002 to 2007 and Vice-President from 2003 to 2007.

In 2000, Professor Shine donated $1 million towards the refurbishment of the academy's iconic building, which was renamed the 'Shine Dome' in his honour.

"As a result of his insightful scientific leadership, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research has grown steadily in stature and impact. The Academy of Science has also greatly benefited from his leadership and philanthropy. The academy salutes and applauds this world-class scientist and honoured colleague," said Professor Cory.

Professor Shine will continue his research using neural stem cells from the nose to explore potential treatments for hearing loss, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases.

As the recipient of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science, he will also become a member of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council for the duration of the year.