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AUSTRALIAN SCIENTISTS RECOGNISED BY THEIR PEERS
1 May 2007

Probing life with 3D microscopes and using nanobionics for growing nerve cells are some of the research activities being showcased in Canberra tomorrow.

Fifteen of Australia’s top scientists will discuss the research that led to their election to the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science — the peak body representing the nation’s leading scientists — during the annual Science at the Shine Dome event.

The Academy’s three-day celebration of science and scientific research, which begins tomorrow, has attracted almost 350 science-professional delegates to Canberra.

Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck says: ‘Science at the Shine Dome celebrates the admission of new Fellows to the Academy, the pinnacle of achievement for Australian scientists.’

‘This year’s new Fellows are an outstanding array of talented researchers. They are recognised as among the best in their fields, not just in Australia but around the world,’ Professor Lambeck said.

‘Their research now and in the future will have enormous social, economic and environmental benefits and will address some of the important science-based issues facing the world today — including obesity, diabetes and climate change.’

The University of Melbourne’s Professor Peter Hall will also deliver the Matthew Flinders Lecture — one of Australian science’s most prestigious awards.

Professor Hall will uncover ‘What excites statisticians today?’ by exploring modern applications of statistical science in areas such as genomics, sensing bioweapons and detecting covert communications.

Note for news editors

• A full list of newly elected Fellows and information about their research is at: http://www.science.org.au/sats2007/nfs.htm

• The full program for Science at the Shine Dome is available at: http://www.science.org.au/sats2007/index.htm

• A professional photographer will be covering the event if you need images