LOCAL SCIENTIST WINS NSW SCIENCE & ENGINEERING AWARD

Friday, 25 November 2011 11:54

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Thursday 24 November 2011

LOCAL SCIENTIST WINS NSW SCIENCE & ENGINEERING AWARD

Local scientist Dr John Leys, a Gunnedah resident, has won a 2011 NSW Science and Engineering Award for Innovation in Public Sector Sciences and Engineering.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the awards, which were announced last night at NSW Government House, were the State’s most prestigious science prizes.

“The NSW Science and Engineering Awards are the State’s most prestigious science prize, recognising achievements in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and teaching,” Mr Anderson said.

“The awards honour the ground-breaking research carried out by our top scientists and engineers and the far reaching impact their work has on the community.

“I congratulate Dr John Leys on winning the award for his ongoing contribution to DustWatch, a community research project monitoring the extent and severity of wind erosion across Australia.

“Dr John Leys manages research teams and attracts critical funding and research projects at the Office of Environment and Heritage.

“He is an outstanding example of the State’s best and brightest scientists and engineers who are generating economic, health, environmental and technological benefits for the people of NSW.”

Dr Leys was one of twelve scientists, engineers and teachers who were honoured at the 2011 NSW Science and Engineering Awards held at NSW Government House. Dr Leys wins $5,000 for his achievement.

University of New South Wales Professor of Physics, Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons, was named the 2011 NSW Scientist of the Year for her world-leading research and development of quantum computers.

For more information on the 2011 NSW Science and Engineering Awards visit www.business.nsw.gov.au/scienceawards

ENDS