O'Kane's love of science began early

Professor Mary O'Kane's career in science began when she was a kid inventing gadgets in her backyard for the fun of it.

She had some successes, notably a solar water distiller, and some setbacks.

"I remember building a solar cooker at quite a young age and being thrilled that it blackened sausages," Prof O'Kane says.

She then discovered the black was not evidence of cooking: her invention had generated enough heat to melt its black paint lining, which was dripping on to the sausages.

But like any good scientist, the young inventor didn't let failure dampen her passion for science - a passion recognised today with Prof O'Kane's appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia.

Prof O'Kane says it is an exciting time for Australia with a renewed interest in innovation around the nation.

"I think any award reflects not so much me but the strength of Australian science and engineering - it is very, very strong and Australians are top performers," she says.

Prof O'Kane is one of Australia's most distinguished scientists, having served on the boards of national bodies including the CSIRO as well as being NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer since 2008.

She has been recognised for her service to science and engineering, her role in developing national policies and for promoting research - a task that entails around 500 speeches a year.

What concerns Prof O'Kane today is whether children get a chance to grow a passion for science like she did.

"My big worry is about people being interested in it and having the right skills," she says.

That means understanding maths, cultivating interest in science, and developing confident, capable teachers at every level of schooling.

"If we had every kid loving maths and every kid really interested and curious about science, that would make Australia very great," she says.