NSW scientists shine at Academy Awards

Four scientists from New South Wales have won awards for scientific excellence in career research from peak science body the Australian Academy of Science.

University of Sydney's Prof Richard Shine will receive the prestigious Burnet Medal and Lecture for biological research. He has a critically acclaimed research history in ecology, evolution and conservation spanning over 30 years. He has a high international profile with over 500 papers published in international scientific publications.

Prof Leo Radom, also from the University of Sydney, will receive the Craig Medal for research in chemistry in the field of theoretical and computational chemistry. He has made significant contributions to the application of computational quantum chemistry procedures to the study of chemical structures and reactions. His early work provides a template for benchmarking and applying theoretical methods to chemistry.

Early-career research awards, aimed at recognising excellence in researchers under 40 years of age, were awarded to Dr Vanessa Hayes from The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Dr Kostya Ostrikov from the University of Sydney.

Dr Hayes will receive the inaugural Ruth Stephens Gani Medal for outstanding research in identifying genetic risk factors for several cancers, as well as in diagnostic and prognostic tests for cancer and personalised cancer medicines.

Dr Ostrikov will receive the Pawsey Medal for research excellence in plasma nanoscience and its potential application for future computer chips, solar cells and communication systems.

Academy president Prof Kurt Lambeck congratulated the award recipients, saying "the future of Australian science is in good hands with such outstanding talent amongst our researchers.

"These prestigious awards offered by the academy acknowledge excellence in scientific research and are part of ensuring that scientists gain recognition for their work," he said.

"Science provides many positive benefits and it is important to recognise the scientists who work hard so that we can benefit in our daily lives."