STORY: Quantum computing, spider venom researchers awarded top Australian science prizes
DATELINE: Oct. 18, 2023
LENGTH: 0:01:37
LOCATION: Canberra
CATEGORY: SCIENCE 

SHOTLIST: 
1. various of Glenn King and scenes related to venom research of spiders
2. the awarding ceremony
3. various of Michelle Simmons and technology-related scenes related to atomic electronics
4. the awarding ceremony

STORYLINE:

A leading quantum physicist and an expert in venomous animals have been awarded Australia's most prestigious science awards.
   
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Science and Industry Ed Husic on Monday night announced Michelle Simmons and Glenn King as the respective recipients of the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science and Prize for Innovation at an event at Parliament House in Canberra.
   
The Director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Simmons received the 250,000 Australian dollars (158,457 U.S. dollars) prize for her work creating the field of atomic electronics.
   
By using a scanning tunneling microscope, she has been able to create new components for quantum computing as small as one atom, forming the basis of a new approach to quantum computing that could revolutionize therapeutic drug design.
   
King, from the University of Queensland, was recognized for his discovery that the venom from the Australian funnel-web spider can be used to develop pharmaceuticals to treat chronic pain, epilepsy and stroke as well as for sustainable crop protection.
   
He has commercialized his crop production invention and is developing pharmaceuticals that will begin clinical trials in 2024.
   
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Canberra.
(XHTV)