Leading Australian science

Four UNSW researchers have been honoured by being elected to the Australian Academy of Science, the highest number for any university in this round.

Professor David Black, of the School of Chemistry, Scientia Professor Staffan Kjelleberg, of the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Scientia Professor Aibing Yu of the School of Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Scientia Professor Ian Petersen, of the School of Engineering and Information Technology at UNSW@ADFA, were among the 17 Academy appointments for 2011.

Election to the Australian Academy of Science recognises a career that has significantly advanced, and continues to advance, the world's scientific knowledge.

Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory warmly welcomed the new Fellows: "I congratulate all of our new Fellows on their stellar scientific achievements and this well-deserved recognition," she said.

In his citation, Professor Black was recognised for his "innovative research in organic chemistry and exemplary leadership in science diplomacy for Australian and world chemistry, fostering broad and inclusive interactions worldwide".

Professor Kjelleberg was recognised "for his work in microbial ecology, including bacterial adaptive responses and biofilm biology".

Professor Yu was honoured for "his work in particle science and technology, including methods to simulate and model the motion of individual particles within large populations in flowing systems".

Professor Petersen was recognised "for his work on robust control theory with innovative advances enabling the synthesis of robust state feedback controllers using standard software tools".

Media Contact:Bob Beale, Media Officer, Faculty of Science | 0411 705 435 | bbeale@unsw.edu.au

Peter Trute, Media Officer, Faculty of Engineering | 02 9385 1933 | p.trute@unsw.edu.au