Four Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science have been elected to the prestigious Royal Society of London, the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
Professor Ian Frazer, Professor Alan Cowman, Professor Mark Randolph and Dr Patrick Tam join 40 other scientists to be elected in 2011 to the Royal Society, which celebrated its 350th anniversary last year.
Australian Academy of Science President Professor Suzanne Cory congratulated the four on their election.
"To be honoured and recognised by one of the world's most prestigious scientific academies is a significant achievement, and well deserved by each of these Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science," Professor Cory said.
"I know I speak for all of their Australian colleagues in science when I offer them my warmest congratulations."
A former Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer of Queensland University's Diamantina Institute was elected for his work in developing a vaccine against human papilloma virus, thus protecting against cervical cancer.
Professor Alan Cowman, Head of Infection and Immunity at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, was elected for his work in illuminating the mechanisms used by the malaria parasite and evolving antimalarial drugs, including potential vaccines.
A geotechnical engineer at the University of Western Australia's Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, Professor Mark Randolph was elected for advancing the design of piled foundations, new techniques for offshore site investigation, and analysis of soil penetration.
Dr Patrick Tam is a senior principal research fellow at the Children's Medical Research Institute at the University of Sydney. He was elected to the Royal Society for advancing the understanding early embryonic development and origins of congenital malformations.
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Royal Society on 15 July.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
