International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) Director, Professor Peter Quinn has been named WA Scientist of the Year 2012 for his outstanding contribution to Australian Science, particularly through his involvement in Australia’s successful SKA bid.
The award was announced at the 2012 Western Australian Science Awards gala dinner last Thursday attended by the WA Science and Innovation Minister John Day.
Professor Quinn was recognised for his work as a leading Australian astrophysicist and his contribution to the Australian SKA project, which includes his service as Deputy Chair of the Australia New Zealand SKA Coordination Committee.
ICRAR received further recognition at the WA Science Awards, with ICRAR Deputy Director Professor Steven Tingay named as Science Ambassador of the Year.
Professor Tingay’s contributions to the SKA have been significant including through the development of the Murchison Widefield Array, the SKA’s only low-frequency pathfinder telescope, and through his work on the indigenous astronomy project 'Ilgarijiri - Things Belonging To the Sky'. Ilgarijiri saw exhibition of Wajarri artwork based on indigenous astronomy in Australia, South Africa, the USA and Europe.
For more information about the awards is available at the WA Government's WA Science Awards website.