Internationally renowned scientists admitted to Academy

April 28, 2017
Professor Jim S Williams, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, The High Commissioner of India Dr AM Gondane, and Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes.

The Academy has just admitted two internationally renowned scientists as Corresponding Members, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar (India) and Professor Rudiger Wehner (Switzerland).

Dr Mashelkar and Professor Wehner are recognised for their outstanding scientific contributions to their fields.

Dr Mashelkar is a highly successful polymer chemist and an influencial leader in shaping innovation within India's science and technology policies. 

Dr Mashelkar has driven international collaboration between India and Australia through his work in education, research and innovation partnerships with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University and the Australia–India Institute.

Professor Rudiger Wehner
Professor Rudiger Wehner

Professor Wehner, from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, has been recognised for his world-leading research on animal navigation (neuroethology).

Spending over 40 years studying the Saharan desert ant Cataglyphis, Professor Wehner was the first scientist to show how ants, despite their tiny brains, are capable of performing extraordinary feats of navigation through desert landscapes.

The research has increased scientists’ understanding of the evolution of nervous systems and their role in controlling animal behaviour. 

From the Saraha desert to the Australian outback, Professor Wehner’s lifelong interest in insect navigation has also seen him team up with Macquarie University’s Dr Ken Cheng to study the navigation patterns of the red honey ant, Melophorus bagoti.

Dr Mashelkar and Professor Wehner join the Academy’s 29 other Corresponding Members, comprising leading international researchers and science advocates with strong links to Australia.  

The Academy will announce the election of 21 distinguished Australian scientists as new Fellows at the start of Science at the Shine Dome on 22 May 2017.

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The Saharan Desert Ant, Catalyphis bombycinuson, studied by Professor Wehner. Photo courtesy of Ramy Maalouf ©2012.

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

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