Professor Nalini Joshi, a distinguished Indian-origin mathematician and Chair of Applied Mathematics at the University of Sydney, has made history as the first recipient from her field to be named NSW Scientist of the Year. Awarded as part of the 2025 Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering, the honor celebrates her lifetime of pioneering research into the complex mathematical patterns that govern phenomena ranging from climate change to fiber optics. Currently, Professor Joshi is pivoting her expertise toward the critical frontier of quantum cryptography, addressing the urgent security vulnerabilities that quantum computing poses to global banking and communication systems.

Her journey is one of numerous "firsts": she was the first woman appointed as a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Sydney and the first Australian to serve as Vice-President of the International Mathematical Union. Beyond her technical achievements, Joshi is a tireless advocate for diversity in STEM, having previously earned the Eureka Prize for her outstanding mentorship of young researchers. In her acceptance, she emphasized the scarcity of quantum expertise in Australia, warning that mathematical innovation is the only safeguard for a future where quantum-enabled devices become as ubiquitous as today’s smartphones. This recognition highlights the profound global impact of Indian talent and cements Joshi’s legacy as a cornerstone of both Australian and international science.