AuScopers Receive Australia Day Awards
Image: The Mandarin
Over the weekend we were proud to discover five geoscientists, including two AuScopers, amongst the Order of Australia awards list for their outstanding achievements and service in science.
Firstly, we congratulate Doctor Chris Pigram, AuScope’s Chairman and Company Director for receiving a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for his significant service to public administration, particularly through scientific leadership roles.
Chris has contributed to AuScope, Geoscience Australia and many other organisations for over 40 years in geological mapping, research, research management, and leadership roles. He has travelled far and wide, gaining experience in minerals, petroleum, basin analysis and marine geoscience in Australia, Southeast Asia and the West Pacific. And produced over 100 scientific research papers along the way.
Recently, Chris was appointed as Chairman of Australia’s newly formed MinEX CRC which addresses the threat of declining mineral discovery and the need for novel drilling technologies to explore for mineral deposits ‘hidden’ below surficial rock sequences across the continent. We look forward to seeing his next momentous steps with both MinEX CRC and AuScope.
Of his award, Chris says:
“It’s very nice to be acknowledged by your peers and it really was only possible because of all the great people I worked with, or for, over my career. This is as much an acknowledgement of them as it of me.”
Second amongst the accolades is Professor Brian Kennett, Emeritus Professor of Seismology at Australian National University. Brian received an Office of the Order of Australia (AO) award for his distinguished service to the earth sciences as a leading academic and researcher, particularly in the field of seismology.
He has been has been instrumental designing our Earth Imaging program and influential in leading various passive seismic imaging projects in Australia, and across the globe.
Third is Doctor Clinton Foster of Geoscience Australia and Australian National University who, as PS News reports, won a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding service in the application of geoscientific information and data to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. His work has placed Australia at the forefront of international efforts to meet global emission reduction targets.
Next is Doctor Jon Hronsky who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to mining. Jon has been an influential link between industry and academia over many years.
Lastly, Distinguished Professor Ross Large of The University of Tasmania won an Office of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to education, and to scientific research, in the field of economic geology, and to professional societies.
His research work over the decades has focused on understanding mineral deposit formation. Now he focuses on what controlled the evolution of life.
Congratulations to these four, and all Australia Day award winners for undertaking such fascinating and impactful work for the benefit of Australia.
MORE INFORMATION
Discover more about the 2019 Australia Day awards and award winners at the Governor-General website.