A pioneering quantum physics professor, a YouTube-savvy maths teacher, a biophysicist helping solve world hunger and a game-changing footballer have been named 2018’s Australians of the Year.

Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons, Eddie Woo, Dr Graham Farquhar AO, and Samantha Kerr were presented with their awards from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during a special ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra last night.

Each of the winners were commended for being trail-blazers in their distinct fields, pushing innovative ideas to thousands across the nation and countless more across the globe.

Professor Simmons encouraged women to seek out careers in science and technology during her acceptance speech for Australian of the Year. (AAP)

The prime minister at tonight's ceremony. (AAP)

“Michelle, Eddie, Graham and Samantha are inspirational Australians whose contributions are making our wonderful nation a better place and making a real difference to the lives of others,” National Australia Day Council Chair Danielle Roche OAM said.

“They are breaking down barriers, forging new futures, looking at old problems in different ways and creating new pathways.”

Ms Roche concluded the four “extraordinary” Aussies were a reminder to the public that “we all have something to contribute”.

Australian of the Year: Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons

Professor Simmons is at the forefront of revolutionary science, leading research that could change technology - and the world in which we know it - forever.

She arrived in Australia from Britain in 1999, and transformed the University of NSW’s quantum physics department into a global leader in a matter of years.

Creating the world’s first transistor from a single atom and the world’s thinnest wire are among her extraordinary achievements.

In her acceptance speech for 2018 Australian of the Year tonight, Professor Simmons encouraged girls to pursue a career in science and technology.

Professor Simmons is actively working to change our futures. (AAP)

"Seeing women in leadership roles and competing internationally is important. It gives them the sense that anything is possible," she said.

Professor Simmons' own "end-goal" is far from complete - her next challenge is to build a quantum computer that can solve complex problems in a matter of minutes.

The 50-year-old’s ambitious dream could help transform driverless cars, drug design, artificial intelligence and the way scientists forecast weather.

Australia's Local Hero: Eddie Woo

Australia's Local Hero, Eddie Woo with Malcolm Turnbull. (AAP)

Mr Woo understands that kids and maths don’t always mix, so in 2012 he decided to take to YouTube to make the subject more approachable and fun for students.

The catalyst for the Cherrybrook Technology High School teacher’s channel was a student who was being treated for cancer.

In just five years, the 32-year-old’s channel - affectionately dubbed “WooTube” by fans - now has nearly 200,000 subscribers.

Millions more have watched the father-of-three’s videos, with his audience reach stretching to Australia and beyond.

Mr Woo in action on his popular YouTube channel. (Eddie Woo via YouTube)

Tonight Mr Woo said he was a "proud representative of every teacher around the country who labours day after day".

"We know the power of giving a child the priceless gift of an education," he said.

"Every Australian must play our part in honouring our schools and those who work in them. Our children and future generations are dependent on it."

Not content with teaching his students both in the classroom and from behind a computer screen, Mr Woo is also a volunteer facilitator with the University of Sydney’s Widening Participation and Outreach program.

The program aims to allow thousands of students from all backgrounds to realise their potential.

Dr Graham Farquhar AO receiving his award for Senior Australian of the Year. (AAP)

Senior Australian of the Year: Dr Graham Farquhar AO

The world’s current population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, making food security and the surety that people can be fed an essential problem to solve.

Dr Farquhar has decided his career to planning for the future population, examining how water efficient crops can protect food security in a changing climate.

He has also worked to improve world food security by developing strains of wheat that can grow with less water.

The 70-year-old, hailing from Tasmania, has won numerous accolades for his research over the years. In 2017 he was the first Australian to win the Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement.

During his acceptance speech tonight, Dr Farquhar expressed his passion for photosynthesis - a process much of life on Earth relies upon.

"It's what makes us grow, live, survive. It's responsible for all life on earth," he said.

Dr Farquhar continues to tackle problems facing the environment and humanity from the Australian National University in Canberra.

Samantha Kerr receives her award from the prime minister. (AAP)

Young Australian of the Year: Samantha Kerr

When she was just 12 years old, Kerr was told she couldn’t play AFL because she wasn’t a boy.

Instead of giving up on sport, the East Fremantle local made the decision to take up soccer - a choice that has resulted in her being lauded as the world’s best female soccer player.

At 15, Kerr was kicking goals for the Matildas, and over the years has held contracts with Sydney FC and Perth Glory.

The now 24-year-old, whose signature goal celebration is a backflip, was recently named a finalist for the FIFA Female Player of the year.

Kerr kicking goals on the field. (AAP)

After being named Young Australian of the Year, Kerr said that women's sport had taken a "huge leap" in recent years.

"It's great for not only the athletes involved, but the young kids growing up with great role models now," she said last night.

Kerr’s infectious energy and the passion for the game is set to reach a global scale this year, with the forward being traded from Sky Blue FC to the Chicago Red Stars.

Other finalists for the 2018 Australian of the Year:

Johnathan Thurston (Queensland)

Johnathan Thurston. (AAP)

Thurston was nominated for his work mentoring Indigenous children, as well as for his record-breaking feats on the rugby league field.

Yesterday he called for a national conversation about changing the date of Australia Day .

Samuel Johnson OAM (Victoria)

Actor and tireless charity campaigner, Samuel Johnson. (AAP)

The Gold Logie-winner put his career on hold to co-found the Love Your Sister Charity with his late sister, Connie Johnston.

The charity has raised more than $7 million for cancer research and patient care.

Professor David David AC (South Australia)

Professor David David AC. (AAP)

Professor David is renowned for his work in craniofacial surgery, helping nearly 20,000 people from across the globe with facial deformities.

He is also credited with forming the Australian Craniofacial Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Dr Tracy Westerman (Western Australia)

Dr Tracy Westerman. (AAP)

Dr Westerman has dedicated more than 20 years of her career working to combat mental illness in the Indigenous community.

She has trained thousands of practitioners in culturally aware psychological approaches.

Dion Devow (ACT)

Dion Devow. (AAP)

Clothing designer Mr Devow has used his Darkies Design to celebrate Indigenous culture by collaborating with Aboriginal artists and designers.

Dr Bo Remenyi (Northern Territory)

Dr Bo Remnyi. (AAP)

The cardiologist works actively to combat rheumatic heart disease in the Northern Territory.

Dr Remenyi fled Hungary as a teenager, arriving in Australia unable to speak English.

She soon became one of the nation’s first female paediatric cardiologists, and is now globally recognised for her work.

Scott Rankin (Tasmania)

Scott Rankin. (AAP)

Mr Rankin, a theatre director, co-founded the Big hART charity which uses performance to promote social justice, and address issues including domestic violence.