About this Award

The Award perpetuates the memory of Anthony George Maldon Michell (1870-1959), an outstanding Australian Mechanical Engineer. AGM Michell was a consulting engineer n the field of hydraulics and pump design and in conjunction with his investigations of lubrication at the beginning of the century he invented the tilting-pad thrust bearing, a momentous technical innovation. Other notable achievements were the invention of his viscometer, the development of hydraulic power transmissions and the design and development of a series of crankless engines. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1934 and was awarded the Kernot Medal in 1938 and the James Watt Medal in 1943.

The Award was first awarded in 1978.

Award Criteria

The Award is presented for outstanding service to mechanical engineering through:

• A highly significant contribution, or contributions, through technical innovation relating to the science or practice of mechanical engineering; or
• Long standing eminence in mechanical engineering science or practice; or
• Notable and sustained leadership pertaining to mechanical engineering, within the Institution of Engineers Australia; or
• A worthy blend of the aforementioned.

Award Details

The Award is made annually by the Mechanical College Board upon the recommendation of its Executive Committee, the latter having invited Confidential Nominations accompanied by supporting documentation.

The successful recipient will be presented with a Bronze Medal and accompanying Certificate at a Presentation Dinner or equally appropriate event and the recipient is invited to give an oration on a topic of his or her choice which will later be published in the Australian Journal of Mechanical Engineering.

Unsuccessful nominations in the current year remain valid for another 2 years and are again considered with any new nominations received in those following years.

Please note that non-members of Engineers Australia are eligible for the Award, however their nomination will be the exception rather than the rule.

2011 AGM Michell Medal Winner

Congratulations to Dr Alan Baker, Winner of the 2011 AGM Michell Medal.

Previous Winners

• View a list of winners of the AGM Michell Medal

About this Award

About this Award

The Award is conferred by the Board of the College of Mechanical Engineers to recognise the achievement and contribution of a young mechanical engineer, technologist or associate in the profession of mechanical engineering. Specifically, the level to which the nominee has enhanced the public image of mechanical engineering and/or their contribution to the volunteer activities of Engineers Australia; and the excellence and commitment shown to Continuing Professional Development, in particular to the attainment of their Chartered Status. The Award is sponsored by Applidyne - www.applidyne.com.au

2010 Young Mechanical Engineer of the Year Winner - Dr Cristian Birzer

Dr Cristian Birzer is a Senior Research Associate with the Centre for Energy Technology and the School of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Adelaide. Dr Birzer's research fields include fluid mechanics, combustion and laser diagnostics.

Cristian has written 23 peer-reviewed papers and technical reports in the last five years. His work has been presented throughout Australia, as well as in Estonia, Germany, Italy and the USA. In 2005 he received a South Australian Postgraduate Student Award in the field of Innovation in Energy Science & Engineering and in 2009 received one of 11 Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Early Career Symposium Fellowships.

In addition to his research role, Cristian is a member of the Steering Committee and the Assistant Manager of the Centre for Energy Technology. The Centre for Energy Technology was established as part of the Environment Institute and the Institution of Minerals and Energy Resources at The University of Adelaide. The aim of the Centre for Energy Technology is to promote and foster research that will result in cleaner energy generation, storage, distribution and utilisation of energy. The Centre works closely with both industry and government agencies.

Cristian has been a volunteer for Speakers in Schools since 2009. In this program he visits South Australian schools and to talk about his work, both as an engineer, and as a member of the Australia Army Reserves. The purpose of the program is to encourage students to study and work in South Australia.

Cristian strongly believes that the quality of engineering solutions in the future will increase by having a broader and more diverse demographic of engineer and is therefore committed to inspiring as many people as possible to study engineering.     

2009 Young Mechanical Engineer of the Year Winner - Derek Mulder

Derek Mulder's achievements as a young mechanical engineer and his dedication to the activities of Engineers Australia and his active role in the enhancement of the public image of the profession have earned him national recognition.

Derek is a senior engineer with Leslie Consulting Pty Ltd and has rapidly ascended the ranks on account of his team work ethic. He has been instrumental in the design of wear parts and wear part retaining mechanisms for mining applications. His innovative design ideas have been realised - a pin removing device specifically designed to improve safety in mine maintenance. He has significant experience in finite element modelling which evolved from his time spent as a research engineer at USQ.

Derek is a strong supporter of the engineering community and his role as president of a mechanical student group and now the Queensland Mechanical Branch testifies to that.

Derek believes the best way to achieving sustainability and efficiency is to engage with the community. Field trips and seminars help keep people abreast of current projects and technologies.