Sidney prize was established in 1998 to encourage the study of metaphysics and epistemology by postgraduate students at the University of Sydney. The award is made annually on nomination by the Head of the School of Philosophy, following the recommendation of the November Examiners’ Meeting, and in accordance with the conditions of the prize, to the postgraduate student submitting the best essay in this field during that year.

It has also been awarded to individuals or groups that have made a significant contribution to Australian culture, society or economy. This includes the Black Lives Matter movement, the Sydney Opera House, and the Australian Institute of Sport among others.

The sidney prize is named in honor of the late Dr. Sidney Thomas, a renowned teacher and mentor who had a passion for the arts and sciences. He had a longstanding commitment to ensuring that all students are given the opportunity to explore the arts and sciences in their chosen field of study. He believed that if the arts and sciences were taught in a way that allowed them to grow together, they could provide a better understanding of both disciplines and encourage mutual respect between scientists and non-scientists.

He was a strong advocate for the value of science and a fierce advocate for the importance of a diverse education. He also adamantly believed that every student should be encouraged to pursue excellence in their chosen field of study.

In this way, he provided a sense of community among the undergraduates at Yale College and was instrumental in the revision of the university’s undergraduate curriculum. In the process, he helped to make sure that all of the students in the school gained an appreciation for the arts and humanities as well as a firm appreciation for the value of science.

As a devout believer in the power of science to benefit mankind, Sidney devoted himself to promoting a research-based learning environment in the laboratory at Yale College. He worked to build an atmosphere in the lab that would allow all the young people there to learn from each other and grow together as scientists.

His scholarly and personal contributions to the field of biochemistry made a major impact on the way that scientists conducted research in the field, and led to a new understanding of the structure of RNA. He was a pioneer in the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study RNA. He developed and published a book, The Crystallization of RNA, that became one of the most influential texts on the subject.

He was a major contributor to the development of the Harvard Science Fiction Project, a program that aimed to encourage young people to write and read science fiction. He also was a driving force behind the development of the Harvard Science Review, a magazine that he edited for over 30 years and that he continued to edit until his death.

In addition to his work as a scientist, he was an activist and a passionate social justice advocate. His commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity inspired him to become a champion of the LGBTQ+ community and to serve as a role model for young people. He has been a long-time supporter of the Human Rights Campaign and was a founding member of the Board of Directors. He received many awards for his advocacy work, including the President’s Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Democracy.