The Nobel Prize and Australia

Alfred Nobel was a Swedish scientist who invented dynamite in 1833 and later established many companies and laboratories in more than 20 countries around the world. Nobel executed his last will in 1895 which laid the foundation for what came to be known as the Nobel Prize. He stated in the will, "The whole of my remaining estate shall be dealt with in the following way: the capital, invested in safe securities by my executors, shall constitute a fund, the interest on which shall annually be distributed in the form of prizes to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind."

Nobel further stated in the will, "It is my express wish that in awarding the prizes no consideration whatsoever shall be given to the nationality of the candidates, but that the most worthy shall receive the prize, whether he be Scandinavian or not." This shows how deep was Nobel's conviction of humanity as a whole, making the prize truly international.

The Nobel prize was introduced for achievements in chemistry, physics, medicine, literature, and peace. It was not until 1968 that the Bank of Sweden (Sveriges Riksbank) instituted the Prize in economics in memory of Alfred Nobel.

Australia is often called a "clever country" which has achieved many successes in science and technology. While the tyranny of distance has historically disadvantaged Australia in obtaining, collaborating and sharing knowledge outside its borders, the country has not fallen behind in scientific achievements and knowledge creation relative to comparable countries in the world. In Australia, governments (Federal and State) and businesses invest in science, innovation and technology which drive sustainable economic and social prosperity in a knowledge-based economy.

The great achievements of Australia in science have been demonstrated by the Nobel awards it has won so far. Australia is credited with the highest per capita achievement of Nobel prizes in the world. It has nine Nobel laureates in science and one in literature. These Nobel laureates are as follows.

William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg: Physics in 1915.
Howard Walter Florey: Medicine or Physiology in 1945.
Frank MacFarlane Burnet: Medicine or Physiology in 1960.
John Carew Eccles: Medicine or Physiology in 1963.
Aleksandr Mikhailovich Prokhorov: Physics in 1964.
Bernard Katz: Medicine or Physiology in 1970.
Patrick White: Literature in 1973.
John Warcup Cornforth: Chemistry in 1975.
Peter Charles Doherty: Medicine or Physiology in 1996.

We should keep in mind that many world class scientists often have to live and work at places outside their countries because of research interests and the facilities and opportunities available at such places. For example, John Cornforth was born and educated in Australia, but he carried out most of his work in the UK. Similarly William and Lawrence Bragg did much of their work in the UK.

It is recognised that research is the major source of new knowledge and ideas that lead to creativity and innovation in society. Given its excellent research infrastructure and the skills of its scientists and researchers, Australia is expected to continue to make significant contribution to the creation of new knowledge and ideas internationally, to be known as a country of innovators.

Abdul Quader is an economist.