On 14^th December the Biomedical College presented the David Dewhurst Award to Dr Graham Grant at Harrick’s Auditorium in the Sydney Division offices of Engineers Australia. The presentation ceremony was attended by around 35 people, who were treated to a rare example of a “brilliant career”.

The David Dewhurst Award is the pre-eminent Award for biomedical engineering excellence and is presented annually for outstanding service to the field of Biomedical Engineering, through:

• Highly significant contributions through technical innovation relating to the science and practice of biomedical engineering,
• Long standing eminence in biomedical engineering science and practice, and
• Exceptional and sustained management or leadership relating to biomedical engineering.

It is named after Dr David John Dewhurst, AM, BA(Hons), MSc, PhD, FIEAust, FIPEMB, an outstanding teacher, pioneer in the field of biophysics and medical instrumentation, Honorary IFMBE Life Member and former IFMBE President.David's contributions to Biomedical Engineering included design work on cardiac defibrillators, magnetic resonance imaging, intracellular recording, electromyography, the first cochlear ear implant, standards for medical equipment, computing as a tool for biomedical research and the establishment of a course in medical electronics for biological researchers. He was also involved with the International Federation of Medical & Biological Engineering in the early days of the IFMBE, the setting up of the Societies of Medical & Biological Engineering in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, and the precursor to the College of Biomedical Engineering, the Institution of Biomedical Engineers. The Award consists of a framed bronze medal and certificate.

Dr Graham Grant, the 2011 winner of the award, fulfils all of the requirements for the award and is indeed a worthy winner. He has made a notable contribution to biomedical engineering and medicine by improving the delivery of anaesthesia through innovations in safer delivery, ventilation and humidification technologies and has progressed improved technologies for the safer transport of neonates. He has been an eminent practitioner in biomedical engineering and has been actively engaged with the College of Biomedical Engineering in Engineers Australia and the NSW Society of Medical and Biological Engineering over many years. He has without doubt bridged the gap between the physical and life sciences by providing inspiration, guidance and mentoring of his peers in the professions of biomedical engineering and medicine.

Bruce Morrison
Sydney Division Representative
College of Biomedical Engineering