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Friday, 26 October 2018

Three researchers from The University of Western Australia are among 25 new Fellows to be elected to the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

UWA’s ATSE Fellows are Professor Wallace Cowling, an expert in crop breeding who has helped achieve major advances in agriculture; Professor Eric May whose work has brought Australia’s gas resources to market; and Professor Phillip Watson, a world-leader in offshore geotechnics.  Recognised for their leadership and global impact in infrastructure, mining and agriculture, the new Fellows will be formally welcomed into the Academy at its annual meeting in Melbourne on November 23.

2018 UWA Fellows

Professor Wallace Cowling, Associate Director of The UWA Institute of Agriculture

Professor Cowling is an outstanding contributor to Australian agricultural science, technology and productivity through advances in crop breeding. He is an innovator at the interface of technology and commerce in Australian and international agriculture. As a research leader and company director, he has bred and released more than 60 crop varieties which have improved the production, profitability and sustainability of the Australian grains industry. His research across the disciplines of animal and plant breeding challenges the status quo and promises major improvements. He trains young plant breeders and early career researchers in this new approach.

Professor Eric May, Chevron Chair in Gas Process Engineering, UWA Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Professor May is a global leader in natural gas science and engineering, thermodynamics and metrology whose work has achieved enormous outcomes. He received a Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for his work in the measurement of fluid properties and their application in bringing Australia’s natural gas resources to market. His research has enabled industry to reduce the cost and environmental impact of LNG production, offshore reserves to be developed economically, advanced CCS operations and improved custody transfer standards. Technologies he developed for reducing methane emissions are now being field tested.

Professor Phillip Watson, Shell Chair in Offshore Engineering, UWA Oceans Institute

Professor Phillip Watson is a world-leading expert in offshore geotechnics, setting direction of technology and innovation in consultation with industry leaders. He led Australian specialist consultancy Advanced Geomechanics for six years, overseeing a period of significant growth, before negotiating its sale to international company Fugro. He served as Global Director of GeoConsulting for Fugro, spanning onshore and offshore activities, with emphasis on integration, innovation and technology. He is also OFFshore Hub Director at UWA managing multidisciplinary research teams.

For a full list of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering Fellows click here

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and Public Relations Adviser)                                                    08 6488 6876

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