A groundbreaking quantum physics professor was named "Australian of the Year" on Thursday for her work heralded as ushering in a new era for computer science. British-born Michelle Yvonne Simmons, 50, and her team at the University of New South Wales created the world's first transistor made from a single atom, the award announcement stated.
"Michelle is an evangelist for Australian scientific research and a role model to young scientists everywhere," it said. "Through her work she is naturally an inspiration for young women and a strong supporter of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."
Simmons' goal is to build a quantum computer "able to solve problems in minutes which would otherwise take thousands of years," with implications for drug design, artificial intelligence and self-driving cars, it said.
The public nominate people for the award whom they believe have made an extraordinary contribution to their community or nation, often inspiring others.
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