Curtin University is the only Western Australian academic institution recognised at the Thomson Reuters Citation and Innovation Awards presented in Melbourne today.
Represented in two of eleven categories, five Curtin researchers involved in two international projects will be acknowledged for their significant contributions to science.
Professor Steven Tingay, Dr Randall Wayth, and Mr Mark Waterson are part of a team of eight astrophysics researchers recognised for their productivity and scientific innovation with the Curtin-led Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) low-frequency radio-telescope – the only operational precursor telescope for the billion dollar Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
Professors Simon Wilde and Zheng-Xiang Li of Curtin’s Department of Applied Geology have been acknowledged for their long-standing contribution to the geology of China, along with two other colleagues (all Chief Investigators) in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems. They have both previously been recognised as Highly-Cited Researchers by Thomson Reuters.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development Professor Graeme Wright said Curtin is widely recognised for its research achievements and in recent years had experienced extremely strong growth, in quality, impact and reach.
“To see not one, but five of our researchers from astrophysics to geophysics recognised through these prestigious awards vindicates Curtin’s efforts and commitment to being a provider of leading research, not only in Australia, but globally. This is also emphasised by the fact Curtin is the only WA university recognised,” Professor Wright said.
“Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally.”
Professor Tingay, Director of the MWA, said the award was recognition for the MWA team’s prolific release of innovative science results.
“Curtin University has led 15 institutions from four countries in the $50m MWA project for the last seven years, collecting almost six petabytes of data and producing over 30 science publications in the last two years. This award recognises the international impact of the MWA and the team’s trailblazing path towards the billion dollar SKA,” Professor Tingay said.
Professor Wilde said he and Professor Li had worked in China for more than 25 years.
“It is always nice to know that your work is appreciated. In particular, it is rewarding to see how far Curtin has come in the past few years and that the University’s growing research profile bodes well for greater success in the future,” Professor Wilde said.
Looking at the theme How collaboration in research and innovation is shaping the Australian landscape and using their Web of Science and InCites evaluation tools, Thomson Reuters identified outstanding Australian research teams that have made a significant contribution to one of eleven fields across all domains of science, including engineering, social sciences and humanities.
The awards will be presented at 1:30pm EST at The University of Melbourne.
