A Queensland scientist has more than two million extra reasons to smile tonight.

He’s been awarded the Premier’s Science Fellowship for his study of genetics.

Brendan Hahne reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The state’s top science prize is worth $1.25 million and it’s been matched, dollar for dollar, by the University of Queensland.

Premier Newman revealed the winner at the newly-opened Translational Research Institute.

Campbell Newman, Premier: “Professor Matthew Brown is the recepient of the Premier’s fellowship for 2013.”

Professor Brown received the award for his breakthrough study into treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis.

Professor Matthew Brown, Premier’s Science Fellow: “It’s a great honour, both as a member of the University of Queensland and also of the scientific fellowship of Queensland, to be given this award.”

Premier Newman thanked Professor Brown for his remarkable work.

The awarding of the fellowship to Professor Brown has a special significance for the Premier. His wife Lisa suffers from rheumatoid arthritis which affects between one and two per cent of the population.

Terry Morine suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.

He says Professor Brown’s research changed his life.

Terry Morine, Arthritis Patient: “I don’t have any pain whatsoever. My joints and everything are working fine. They got me early which was my saviour.”

Tim Clark is another patient grateful for the treatment.

Tim Clark, Arthritis Patient: “I’m leading as normal life as I can with my family and my two young sons.”

Brendan Hahne, QUT News.