Academy Medal Awarded To Outstanding Physicist

Retired physicist Harry Messel has been recognized by the Australian Academy of Science for his contributions to science education.

AsianScientist (Apr. 14, 2014) – Physicist and educator Professor Harry Messel has been awarded the Academy Medal, one of the Australian Academy of Science’s highest honors.

A retired professor of physics, Messel is known for creating one of Australia’s best-remembered high school textbooks and establishing the Science Foundation for Physics in Australia. He also set up the Harry Messel International Science School, which sees over 100 science students annually and whose participation extends to Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and China.

“Professor Messel is awarded the Academy Medal in recognition of his conspicuous and enduring service to the cause of science in Australia,” described the official write-up of the 2014 awards.

The Academy Medal was established by the Australian Academy of Science in 1990, and to date, seven people have received the prestigious award.

The other recipient this year is Mr. Simon McKeon, chairman of the CSIRO Board and the 2013 Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research. McKeon is also patron of Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia and member of the inaugural Bio21 Australia Board.

_____

Source: University of Sydney.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

Alan Aw is a maths enthusiast who likes sharing the fun and beauty of science with others. Besides reading, he enjoys running, badminton, and listening to (and occasionally playing) Bach or Zez Confrey.

Related Stories from Asian Scientist