May 20 2015
Two Australian scientists working in health and nanoelectronics have been recognised for excellence in metrology, the science of measurement.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science, Karen Andrews, today announced the recipients of the annual Barry Inglis Medal and the NMI Prize, awarded by Australia’s National Measurement Institute (NMI).
The awards acknowledge and celebrate outstanding achievement in measurement research and excellence in practical measurements in Australia.
Mrs Andrews congratulated the recipients, noting the awards highlight the importance of measurement across diverse spheres of knowledge.
“Measurement is an essential activity that underpins decision making in everyday life, science, technology, industry and even politics,” Mrs Andrews said.
“These scientists are making significant contributions in two quite diverse fields – medical pathology and quantum electrical metrology.”
Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital chemical pathologist, Dr Graham Jones, was awarded the Barry Inglis Medal. Dr Jones was recognised for his work to improve the accuracy and reliability of chemical pathology testing, via better measurement standards, techniques and clinical reference ranges.
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“Dr Jones is an international leader in applying metrology to chemical pathology. His work has improved the quality of care for patients, particularly around disease diagnosis and monitoring. This has had a positive effect on many patients’ health outcomes,” said Mrs Andrews.
The NMI Prize, awarded to an individual under 35 years of age, went to University of New South Wales research fellow Dr Alessandro Rossi. Dr Rossi’s work in nanoelectronics is helping to realise an improved definition of the ampere—a unit of measurement of electric current.
Today’s awards mark World Metrology Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875. The convention sets the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and its application in industry, science and society.