FOR MEDIA EMBARGOED UNTIL 6.00 PM WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 1990
Together with the Minister for Science and Technology and
the Minister Assisting me on Science, Simon Crean, I am
announcing today the winners of the inaugural Australia
Prize. The international award is shared jointly by
Professor Allen Kerr of the University of Adelaide,
Professor Jeff Schell of the Max Planck Institute in Cologne
and Professor Eugene Nester of the University of Washington.
This year's prize, valued at A$ 250,000, is awarded for
outstanding achievement in science and technology promoting
human welfare in the field of biological sciences related to
agriculture or the environment. Professors Kerr, Schell and
Nester are honoured for their achievements in genetic
engineering of plants and microbes which will ensure a more
productive and environmentally benign agriculture for the
future. The three scientists have led research teams which, over the
past 20 years, have provided some of the most crucial
insights into the biology and genetic systems of the crown
gall bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This bacterium
can be considered as a natural genetic engineer. It can
transfer DNA from bacterial cell to plant cell. This DNA
directs the plant to synthesize hormones which promote
uncontrolled cell division and tumour development. The
hormone synthesizing genes have been located and, for
genetic engineering of plants, eliminated. They can be
replaced by more desirable genes.
These studies have led to the construction of genetically
engineered plants that are resistant to herbicides, to
insect pests and to viruses. Plants can also be directed to
produce pharmaceutical compounds. In addition, basic
studies on gene regulation in plants depend on this
technology. Clearly, the genetic engineering of plants is
-' oing to have a major impact on crop improvement, on basic
studies in plant biology and on the pharmaceutical industry.
It will also lead to less environmental pollution and
degradation. Herbicides are used mainly to allow crop
production by minimum soil disturbance; this markedly
reduces soil erosion, a serious environmental problem in
Australia. Insect pests and diseases of plants are usually
controlled by toxic chemicals. The construction of
resistant plants will reduce the requirement for such
chemicals.
The three scientists and their research teams have made
breakthroughs which will radically alter our approach to
agriculture in the 21st century. Providing a biological
alternative to chemical disease and pest control will ensure
a safer and cleaner planet.
The Government established the Australia Prize last year as
part of its commitment to science and technology in this
country. The funding of scientific research is an
investment that will repay itself many times over through
the benefits to humanity and through boosting of our
national scientific and technological capacity.
I look forward to presenting the prize and an inscribed
medal to the winners at a ceremony which will be held in
Parliament House on 14 May 1990.
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