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Matthew Flinders Medal announced

The Australian Academy of Science has announced Professor Barry Ninham AO FAA as the recipient of the Matthew Flinders Medal and Lecture—one of Australia’s most prestigious honours for work in the physical sciences.

Professor Ninham is the world’s leading researcher in colloid and surface science, an interdisciplinary science where the physical, chemical and biological sciences meet. Among pioneering contributions to the natural sciences, his best known work is that in the self-assembly of biological molecules and in the theory of molecular forces.

Fellow to receive L’oreal–UNESCO woman in science award

Academy Fellow, Professor Michelle Simmons FAA, has been announced as the L’oreal–UNESCO Asia–Pacific Woman in Science for 2017.

The UNSW Australia scientist is recognised for her ‘pioneering contributions to quantum and atomic electronics, constructing atomic transistors en route to quantum computers’. Professor Simmons leads the six-university ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate—new booklet launched to address immunisation fears

Minister for Health the Hon Sussan Ley MP has today joined the presidents of the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Academy of Science, Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty and paediatrician Dr Michael Freelander MP to launch The Science of Immunisation: Questions and Answers.

President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Andrew Holmes, said 72,000 copies of the revised and updated booklet that was first published in 2011 had been distributed to locations in every State and Territory in response to renewed concerns around immunisation.

Nobel Prize winner marks 20 year anniversary

Members of the scientific community gathered at the Shine Dome in Canberra to celebrate the work of Professor Peter Doherty, marking the 20th anniversary of his Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Professor Doherty has been a leading researcher in the field of immunology for much of his career and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1996 for his “discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell mediated immune defence”.

‘Mining’ the world’s landfills for resources – the revolution in recycling science explained in Canberra

Imagine if we could derive many of the raw materials and resources our industries need from waste? Instead of viewing waste as a growing global burden, we could reap huge cost and environmental savings by ‘mining’ the world’s landfills. We could, for example, transform stockpiles of waste tyres by using them for producing high quality steel.

UNSW’s ARC Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla, a global pioneer in the development of new ‘green materials’, will be visiting Canberra tomoorw (18/10) to explain how her research team is revolutionising recycling science.

Executive Committee for JSPS Alumni Association elected

The Executive Committee for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Alumni Association in Australia has been elected.

Following the Association’s first meeting at the Shine Dome in Canberra, the following members have been elected:

2016 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

The Australian Academy of Science wishes to congratulate all of the deserving recipients of the 2016 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Academy Fellow, Professor Richard Shine, was awarded the top honour—the 2016 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science—for his work on reptiles. His research explores reptilian behaviours and their applicability to wider understandings of vertebrate evolution; the roles and importance of reptiles in ecosystems; and discoveries in cane toad biology that have led to new understandings of invasive behaviours and controlling their population.

Academy Fellow receives Lifetime of Conservation Award

The Academy wishes to congratulate Robyn Williams FAA, who has been presented with the Lifetime of Conservation Award by the Australian Geographic Society.

The Australian Geographic Society said he was being recognised for promoting science and conservation during more than 30 years in broadcast radio. Hosting the ABC’s Science Show, Robyn estimates that during his career he has made 2040 broadcasts, covering 14,280 stories and 7140 interviews with experts.

Australian and Asia–Pacific researchers to benefit from $3.2 million in funding

Scientists working on grand challenges in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region will have access to $3.2 million of new funding to promote international research collaborations.

Organisations and businesses conducting research on issues of mutual interest will be eligible to apply, including but not limited to work on aging populations, biosecurity, disaster resilience, food security, and energy.

$3.2 million for Asia-Pacific research announced

With the announcment of the Regional Collaborations Programme, scientists working on grand challenges in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region will have access to $3.2 million of new funding.

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