Everyone’s favourite fun shirt wearing smarty pants Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki has made history today, as he’s the first ever Australian to win the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularisation of Science.
The legend is in fine company as far as winners go, as he follows the footsteps of people like Sir David Attenborough, Arthur C. Clarke and Margaret Mead. On top the prize, he will also be presented with the Albert Einstein Medal at the The World Science Forum today in Budapest.
“Firstly, I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularisation of Science,” he said in a statement.
“Secondly, I couldn’t have done it without an incredible amount of nurturing and training by so many people at the ABC, who over the last three decades have helped me along this pathway. Science is important because it is a tool that can help you not get fooled. And I’m very happy to be in a position where I can bring critical thinking into the daily lives of people.”
He is being presented the award for his “longstanding commitment to fire up people’s curiosity for science and share his passion for the subject.”
Thrilled to congratulate @DoctorKarl Kruszelnicki who will be awarded the 2019 @UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science at the #WorldScienceForum – the first Australian to win this award. Recognition of his longstanding commitment to inspire passion for science. pic.twitter.com/NBq7MFlaWY
— Australian National Commission for UNESCO (@UNESCOinAus) November 19, 2019