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ACT SCIENTISTS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
2 May 2007

Three scientists from the Australian Capital Territory will receive national recognition for their research in front of a host of eminent Australian scientists in Canberra this week.

The scientists will receive their medals tomorrow as part of the Australian Academy of Science’s annual three-day celebration of science and scientific research, Science at the Shine Dome. This public event is a highpoint in the Australian science calendar and has attracted almost 350 science-professional delegates to Canberra.

The Australian National University’s Professor Ian McDougal will receive the Jaeger Medal for his research in Earth sciences, particularly plate-tectonics, and the evolution of humans in East Africa.

Also at the Australian National University, Professor Yuri Kivshar will receive the Lyle Medal for his many theoretical predictions in nonlinear physics and optics that have been verified in the laboratory.

CSIRO Plant Industry’s Dr Peter Dodds will receive the Fenner Medal for his research on the flax plant and flax rust that could lead to engineering new rust resistance genes — saving the agriculture industry millions of dollars.

Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck congratulated the award recipients saying: ‘The future of Australian science is in good hands with such outstanding talent amongst our researchers.

‘These prestigious awards offered by the Academy acknowledge excellence in scientific research and are part of ensuring that scientists gain recognition for their work.

‘Science provides many positive benefits and it is important to recognise the scientists who work hard so that we can benefit in our daily lives.’

Note for news editors

• A full list of award recipients and information about their research is at: http://www.science.org.au/awards/2007awards.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