The Rudd Government congratulates Australian-born and educated biologist, Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, who has been named the Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine.
Professor Blackburn's Nobel Prize has been awarded "for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase".
Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes. Research into telomeres and the enzyme telomerase has the potential to deepen our knowledge of ageing and disease.
Professor Blackburn is Australia's first female Nobel Laureate and our eleventh Nobel Prize winner.
This is a great day for Australian science.
Professor Blackburn's achievements are an inspiration for all Australian scientists and those considering a career in science, especially young women.
As a nation Australia has made frequent contributions to the world's great discoveries and Professor Blackburn's work continues that proud tradition.
She must also be acknowledged for her reputation as an Australian scientist who places as much weight on the ethics of research as on the practice of science.
Professor Blackburn now stands in great Australian company alongside the likes of Sir Howard Florey, Professor Peter Doherty, and the most recent winners Dr Robin Warren and Professor Barry Marshall.
The Australian Government recognised Professor Blackburn's extraordinary work with the awarding of the Australia Prize in 1998 - the predecessor to the Prime Minister's Prize for Science.
Professor Blackburn is joint winner with collaborators Professor Carol W. Greider and Professor Jack W. Szostak.