A Nobel prize laureate, leaders tackling the Aussie engineering shortage, climate change innovators, research translation superstars, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM education champions are among the distinguished cohort of Fellows elected to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) this year.
The 2023 new ATSE Fellows have been chosen for their game-changing contributions in fields spanning artificial intelligence, marine biology, photonics, cancer therapy, battery and energy innovation, and more.
Noongar woman Professor Sandra Eades, Australia’s first Indigenous medical doctor to be awarded a PhD, has been named as an Honorary Fellow for her contributions to epidemiology research and education in Aboriginal child health.
Fellow Dr Sangeeta Bhatia is a nano tissue technologist who develops miniature technologies which mimic those found in the body. Her world-leading technology includes human micro-livers, to test new drugs and study liver disease.
Professor Brian Schmidt, outgoing Australian National University Vice-Chancellor, has been elected for his world transforming career as an innovator, educator, and communicator. In 2011, Professor Schmidt jointly won the Nobel Prize for Physics for discovering the accelerated expansion of the universe.
Laser technology has been transformed by innovations from Dr Yue Gao. He is the creator of the artificial star (known as a laser guide star) which helps astronomers to calibrate their telescopes, and has designed a fully automated laser system for accurately tracking tiny space debris smaller than 10cm, safeguarding Australian satellites used for environmental monitoring and bushfire tracking.
CEO and managing director of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), Mr Daniel Westerman, is a national leader in Australia’s transition to net zero emissions. Westerman advises Australian governments and is a trusted communicator, guiding the public through this crucial time of energy crisis and low-emissions transition.
Cabrogal woman Ms Mikaela Jade is a passionate advocate for using emerging tech to amplify connection to Traditional Knowledge and culture. She founded Australia’s first Indigenous edu-tech company, Indigital, which uses technologies – like AI – as a pathway to learning Indigenous heritage and teaching digital skills.
ATSE president Dr Katherine Woodthorpe said the new Fellows are creating a better Australia through their work.
“As we face global challenges such as climate change, the digitisation of our economy and the massive challenge of building a diverse and skilled STEM workforce, technological innovation is the lynchpin for shaping our future. It’s looking bright thanks to the extraordinary contributions of our 33 newest Fellows,” she said.
“It is a proud moment to be elected by your peers and acknowledged for your lifelong achievements. ATSE Fellows are truly exceptional at what they do, and Australia is all the better for them.”
Visit ATSE website for the full list of 2023 new Fellows.