Indian-origin Australian mathematician Prof. Nalini Joshi AO FAA FRSN FAustMS has been awarded Macquarie University’s 2026 Moyal Medal, recognising her internationally acclaimed contributions to mathematics and her pioneering research in quantum-era security.
Prof. Joshi, Chair of Applied Mathematics at the University of Sydney, will receive the prestigious medal and deliver the 2026 Moyal Lecture at Macquarie University on 30 September.
Her lecture, titled “Mathematics for Quantum Era Security and Trust”, will explore how mathematics underpins emerging technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, and why advanced mathematical research will be central to securing the digital world of the future.
With governments and technology companies investing heavily in quantum technologies, Prof. Joshi’s research has increasingly focused on post-quantum cryptography, quantum money and quantum-enabled devices—fields she believes will fundamentally transform society. “I am deeply honoured to receive the Moyal Medal,” Prof. Joshi said in a statement.
“Professor Moyal’s legacy reflects the power of mathematics to connect ideas across disciplines, and it is a privilege to be recognised through an award that celebrates excellence in the mathematical sciences.”
The annual Moyal Medal honours significant Australian contributions to mathematics, physics or statistics and commemorates the late Prof. José Enrique Moyal, who served as Professor of Mathematics at Macquarie University between 1973 and 1978.
Born in Burma (now Myanmar), Prof. Joshi spent her early childhood there before her family migrated to Australia. She completed her Bachelor of Science with University Medal in Applied Mathematics at the University of Sydney before earning a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Princeton University in the United States.
Her research spans mathematical methods used to understand complex systems across scales—from quantum physics to astronomical structures—and more recently, the development of mathematical foundations for post-quantum cryptography.
Prof. Sam Muller, Executive Dean of Macquarie University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, said Professor Joshi’s work had transformed Australia’s mathematical sciences.
“Professor Joshi is one of Australia’s distinguished mathematicians, whose research has advanced our understanding of complex mathematical systems and their applications to real-world challenges.”
He also praised her leadership beyond research.
“Alongside her outstanding research extending to post-quantum cryptography, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mathematical science and tertiary education as an academic, author and researcher, to professional societies, and as a role model and mentor of early career academics.”
Prof. Muller also highlighted her advocacy for women and minority groups in STEM, describing her as “a highly deserving recipient” of the 2026 Moyal Medal.
Prof. Joshi has accumulated an extraordinary list of honours throughout her career. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, served as President of the Australian Mathematical Society, and became the first Australian Vice-President of the International Mathematical Union. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016 for distinguished service to mathematics and higher education.
Last year, she made history by becoming the first mathematician to be named NSW Scientist of the Year, recognising both her groundbreaking research and her contribution to Australia’s broader scientific community.
Prof. Joshi has also become a leading voice on Australia’s preparedness for the quantum era, warning that while quantum computers promise breakthroughs in medicine, materials science and computing, they also pose unprecedented cybersecurity challenges.
“Mathematics is central to secure our quantum future,” she said upon receiving the NSW Scientist of the Year award.
Beyond research, Prof. Joshi has been a tireless advocate for diversity in STEM. She was a founding co-chair of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and received the 2018 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentorship of Young Researchers for her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and mathematicians.
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