A number of engineers received recognition in the Australia Day honours list released yesterday with two receiving the highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
Professor Chennupati Jagadish from the Australian National University's Department of Electronic Materials Engineering received the AC for his service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology. He said he was humbled, honoured and grateful for the honour and paid tribute to the many people who had contributed to his research career.
"This is a wonderful recognition for 25 plus years of work with my research group at the ANU," he said. "It is a privilege and pleasure to work with enthusiastic colleagues who are passionate about what they do."
Professor Jagadish has a personal passion for practical technology that benefits the poorest people in the world and is involved with six different companies in Australia and China, started by either himself or his students, commercialising technologies such as LED light bulbs and ultra-bright ultraviolet LEDs that can be used for air and water purification.
The NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Mary O'Kane also received an AC for her service to science and engineering, as a contributor to national policy development and governance, to the promotion of technology research and future energy supply, to higher education, and as a role model for young scientists.
NSW Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts said Professor O'Kane's award was greatly deserved.
“Her work on behalf of the people of NSW has had a major and beneficial impact on NSW and the country, maximising and strengthening our scientific, research and development capabilities and encouraging the State’s technology sector," he said.
“Professor O’Kane’s long and distinguished career in science and engineering remains an inspiration to young women contemplating a career in science”.
The Chancellor of Central Queensland University Rennie Fristchy received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service both to higher education and the mining and resources centre where he held numerous Chief Executive and Managing Director roles, including eight years as the Managing Director of Queensland Alumina.
“The award has come as a bit of a surprise to be honest. You never go into these sort of roles expecting accolades; my rewards have been watching this strong regional university grow into a great national university, and seeing the lives that get transformed by education along the way," Fristchy said.
“I have been very fortunate to have been in roles throughout my career where I’ve been able to contribute to the betterment of communities, individuals and public institutions – none more so than my tenure as Chancellor at CQ University.
Another AM recipient was Professor Hartmut Kaebernick for his service to the manufacturing sciences through the promotion and advancement of life cycle engineering product design.
A Fellow of Engineers Australia, Professor Kaebernick was the head of the University of NSW's School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and president of the Australian Robotics and Automation Association for many years.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish. Photo: ANU