The Australian Academy of Science exists to "....promote science through a range of activities. It has defined four major program areas:
- recognition of outstanding contributions to science
- education and public awareness
- science policy
- international relations."
In pursuance of point 1 each year 16 scientists are elected as Fellows of the Academy (though this year 17 were elected - tied vote perhaps
). This is the highest recognition available nationally. The process is quite rigorous, including nomination by 4 Fellows and examination of credentials by 1 of the 11 specialist committees before the final voting. As may be expected, the awards this year were dominated by researchers in the bio-medical field - 8 in all. However 3 have connections to astronomy. They are:
Dr John David O’Sullivan FAA
distinguished for his work in digital signals engineering with applications in radioastronomy and wireless local area networks.
Professor Elaine Margaret Sadler FAA
distinguished for her work in high energy astrophysics and galaxy evolution.
Professor Raymond Robert Volkas FAA
distinguished for his work in theoretical particle physics, early universe cosmology and high energy astrophysics.
More details at
http://www.science.org.au/news/media/25march2010.html
BTW this came to my attention becasue my immediate boss was the lone geologist elected this year.
