The Faculty wishes to offer our congratulations to Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger who has been named Western Australia's 2009 Scientist of the year.

Professor Praeger is a leading international researcher in group theory, algebraic graph theory and combinatorics.

Announcing the winners, Western Australian Science and Innovation Minister Troy Buswell said: "Professor Praeger's work has resulted in findings that have led to new thought being adopted by mathematicians worldwide."

Professor Praeger is in the top one per cent of highly cited mathematicians in the world and is recognised for adapting a 19th century theory by a now celebrated rebel French teenager, Evariste Galois, for use in today's information technology.

Professor Praeger is also well-known for promoting the involvement of women in mathematics and for the Family Maths Program Australia (FAMPA) which encourages primary school students. Her creativity and enthusiasm in research and teaching help students distil new ideas.

‘This is a truly outstanding achievement by world standards, and it is very positive for science and mathematics that Professor Praeger is today recognised by the WA community for her work.'- said Vice Chancellor Alan Robson.