Australian of the Year

Before the impact of AI and social media became a mainstream conversation, neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski was sharing a warning about what our rapidly changing world was doing to the way we think, learn and pay attention. 

Lila is a senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania, Board Director of Science & Technology Australia, Executive Director of the Australian Brain Alliance, a mentor, entrepreneur and WHO Fides Health Ambassador.  

She is a leading voice in neuroscience, promoting awareness of brain health through talks and media appearances, and shaping conversations across government and education. 

Her TEDx Talk, 6 secrets to learning faster is one of the most-watched TEDx Talks worldwide. Her video Finding that connection© - neurons in a petri dish has inspired hundreds of millions globally.  

Lila received the 2026 Celestino Eureka Prize for promoting understanding of science and has been named as ‘Superstar of STEM’ by Science and Technology Australia.