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VICTORIAN SCIENTISTS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
2 May 2007

Three scientists from Victoria 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 University of Melbourne’s Professor Peter Hall will receive the Flinders Medal for his research in statistics and probability theory, and real-world applications in areas such as genomics, sensing bioweapons and detecting covert communications.

Monash University’s Professor Jamie Rossjohn will receive the Gottschalk Medal for his research into infection and immunity which has provided insights into how viruses evade our immune system.

Also at Monash University, Professor Robin Hyndman will receive the Moran Medal for his work in forecasting, particularly his new method for forecasting age-specific mortality curves and Australian cancer rates and survival.

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