The strength of science at The University of Western Australia was recognised again today with the announcements of the winners of the Western Australian Science Awards.

Australian Laureate Fellow Winthrop Professor Michael Tobar was named Scientist of the Year while Winthrop Professor Eric May was named Early Career Scientist of the Year.

Professor Tobar is a world-leading scientist researching the invention, creation and applications of precise time, frequency and phase measurement techniques. His work has resulted in the most pure oscillators and exact measurement systems so far manufactured, with use in radar, telecommunications, fundamental physics and defence applications.

UWA Professor May, Chevron Chair in Gas Process Engineering, has combined aspects of engineering, physics and chemistry in his research, which has been described as fluid science for the next generation of natural gas engineering. He has developed new techniques to more accurately measure gas properties.

Also at the award presentations today, UWA Professor Fiona Stanley - the founding Director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and CEO of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth - was inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame. Professor Stanley is one of Australia's most highly regarded medical researchers, renowned for her work as an epidemiologist involving cerebral palsy and children's health.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the awards were important recognition for outstanding scientists, continuing the tradition of UWA's staff being at the highest level of their field in WA, nationally and internationally.  

The WA Scientist of the Year Awards have been dominated by UWA staff members over the past decade.  They have included Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger (2009), Winthrop Professor Jorg Imberger (2008), Winthrop Professor David Blair (2007), Winthrop Professor Bruce Robinson (2004) and Nobel Prize Winner Winthrop Professor Barry Marshall (2002).

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563 /  (+614) 32 637 716