Nobel Laureates and leading scientists call for Kathleen Folbigg pardon

Ninety eminent scientists—including two Australian Nobel Laureates, medical practitioners, science leaders and prominent Australians—have signed a petition calling for Kathleen Folbigg’s immediate pardon and release from jail.
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Nobel Laureates and leading scientists call for Kathleen Folbigg pardon
From left: Academy President Professor John Shine, Professors Carola Vinuesa, Fiona Stanley and Jozef Gecz and Former Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb.

Ninety eminent scientists—including two Australian Nobel Laureates, medical practitioners, science leaders and prominent Australians—have signed a petition calling for Kathleen Folbigg’s immediate pardon and release from jail.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted and jailed in 2003 for murdering her children Patrick, Sarah and Laura and for the manslaughter of Caleb.

The petition argues that Ms Folbigg should be granted a pardon based on the significant scientific evidence of natural causes of death for her children.

The group submitted the petition to the Governor of NSW, the Honorable Margaret Beazley AC, earlier this week.

The petition includes medical and scientific explanations from leading experts in their field that address each of the Folbigg children’s deaths.

The petition concludes:

The executive prerogative of mercy is designed to deal with failures of the justice system such as this one. It is incumbent on the Governor to exercise her power to stop the ongoing miscarriage of justice suffered by Ms Folbigg. Not to do so is to continue to deny Ms Folbigg basic human rights and to decrease faith in the New South Wales justice system.

Ms Folbigg’s case also establishes a dangerous precedent as it means that cogent medical and scientific evidence can simply be ignored in preference to subjective interpretations of circumstantial evidence.

Australian Academy of Science President, Professor John Shine AC PresAA FAHMS(Hon) FRS is among the petition’s signatories.

“Given the scientific and medical evidence that now exists in this case, signing this petition was the right thing to do,” Professor Shine said.

“These matters are incredibly complex. As our scientific knowledge deepens, so does the complexity, which makes the job of the courts a more complex one too.

“We want to work more closely with the legal community to ensure evidence placed before courts is presented in the most accurate way possible, using the most appropriate experts and the most up-to-date science,” Professor Shine said.

ANU Professor of Immunology Carola Vinuesa FAA FAHMS also signed the petition. She gave evidence to an inquiry into Ms Folbigg’s convictions and was asked to analyse the genomes of Kathleen and her four children in early 2019.

“In all four Folbigg children, there is credible medical and pathological evidence, including new peer-reviewed genetic findings, by an international team of 27 scientists published in a top international cardiology journal last year, that points towards natural causes of death,” said Professor Vinuesa.

“It is our responsibility as scientists to assist our legal peers so that they can rely on scientific, peer-reviewed evidence and ensure that domain experts are at their disposal to solve the issues of a difficult legal case.”

Other petition signatories and Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science highlight below why they signed the petition.

“It is deeply concerning that medical and scientific evidence has been ignored in preference of circumstantial evidence. We now have an alternative explanation for the death of the Folbigg children” – Child and public health researcher Professor Fiona Stanley AC FAA FAHMS(Hon) FASSA.

“The science in this particular case is compelling and cannot be ignored. Despite the new knowledge gained from sequencing the human genome almost 20 years ago, we still have some way to go when it comes to both understanding the complexities of genetic disorders and educating the community about these issues” – Human geneticist and researcher Professor Jozef Gecz FAA FAHMS.

“Expert advice should always be heard, and listened to. It will always trump presumption” – Former Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC FAA FTSE.

Read the petition (PDF 7.4MB)

petition-to-governor-of-nsw-for-pardon-of-kathleen-folbigg-05-03-21.pdf PDF ( 7 MB )
Nobel Laureates and leading scientists call for Kathleen Folbigg pardon-attachment

The above video features Professor Carola Vinuesa explaining the genetic findings that point towards natural causes of death.

Last year a panel of experts from the Australian Academy of Science and Australian Academy of Law explored the topic of scientific proof and legal proof in a joint symposium.

Australian Government urged to invest in updated vaccine manufacturing capability

Australia’s leading scientists have urged the Australian Government to develop additional vaccine manufacturing capability within the next 12 months. They say without the ability to produce mRNA vaccines onshore, Australia and the region remain vulnerable to supply limitations.
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Australian Government urged to invest in updated vaccine manufacturing capability

Leading scientists say Australia must be able to make mRNA vaccines onshore to avoid shortages. Image by Thirdman on Pexels.

Australia’s leading scientists have urged the Australian Government to develop additional vaccine manufacturing capability within the next 12 months. They say without the ability to produce mRNA vaccines onshore, Australia and the region remain vulnerable to supply limitations.

The recommendation is contained in the Australian Academy of Science’s 2021-22 pre-Federal budget submission published today.

The submission reads: “Despite our one-hundred-year-old investment in CSL, there are developing gaps in our ability to produce vaccines onshore. Without the ability to produce new vaccines onshore, Australia and the region remain vulnerable to supply shocks.

“Investing in nucleic acid-based technology platforms offers a way to mitigate this risk. Nucleic acid technology shows enough promise to commit to developing a large-scale RNA production capability. Australia needs a strategy for developing additional manufacturing platforms for the years ahead. 

“Developing this capability will allow us to build resilience to future pandemics and potential  biosecurity situations that may require us to have the onshore capacity to mass produce vaccines.”

The Academy’s Secretary for Science Policy, Professor David Day, said Australia has the scientific expertise for RNA vaccines but not the manufacturing capability.

The Academy’s other recommendations to the Australian Government for the 2021-22 Federal Budget are:

  • That a comprehensive review of the Australian system of research funding be undertaken to determine the most sustainable and effective way to support the research and development our nation so heavily relies on.

Despite the Australian Government’s additional investments in the 2020–21 budget, the ongoing negative impact on the scientific enterprise of the pandemic will become more apparent during 2021.

The Academy has long sought an uplift in our national scientific ambition, including an increase in our national R&D effort to 3% of GDP. This ambition requires broad agreement on how to focus any additional funding for science and research on societal challenges. Addressing these challenges requires broad reform to instruments like our R&D tax incentives and the pursuit of a productivity-enhancing Australian open science strategy.

  • Maintain sovereign capabilities in research and development by establishing a research translation fund to support research not covered by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Australia has been able to position itself as a leading biomedical nation. Such a position is no accident but has come from decades of patient investment. Now is the time to make similar investments in the physical sciences. Investments in Australian fundamental science, from mathematics to materials science and beyond, will build our nation’s scientific capital and enable industries of the future.  

  • Continue to provide the evidence base to the Australian Government through the Rapid Research Information Forum (RRIF) by investing in its operations and the learned academies’ policy capability.

The RRIF can benefit the Australian Government beyond the pandemic by providing evidence-based answers to questions to inform a range of multidisciplinary policy challenges, from the challenge of a circular economy and building sovereign capability in manufacturing to adaption to global warming.

  • Work with Taxonomy Australia to develop a mission to discover all species within a generation, commencing with a full cost-benefit exercise.

At present 70% of the ‘map’ of Australia’s biodiversity is blank. Australia’s taxonomists are planning an ambitious and necessary mission: to discover and document all remaining Australian species within a generation. A recent scoping exercise by Deloitte Access Economics has estimated that a mission to discover and document all remaining Australian species within a generation will provide returns of at least $4–$35 for every dollar invested.

  • Conduct a review of higher education funding rates for university teaching of STEM subjects 12 months after implementing the Job-ready Graduates Package.

The passage and implementation of the Australian government’s Job-Ready package is intended to incentivise STEM study. Concerningly, universities have reported job cuts and course changes, which are impacting staffing levels in STEM areas – particularly mathematics, physics, and chemistry – and reducing opportunities for Australians to study and do research. A review would clarify the effectiveness of legislated changes and quantify the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

Read the Academy’s pre-Federal budget submission.

 

Nominate now for the Academy’s 2022 awards

Nominations are now open for the Academy’s 2022 honorific awards, and applications open for support for research conferences, research awards and travelling fellowships.
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Academy Honorific Awards, nominate by 1 May #Honorifics22

Nominations are now open for the Academy’s 2022 honorific awards, and applications open for support for research conferences, research awards and travelling fellowships.

These awards and funding opportunities support and shine a light on researchers who are making outstanding contributions to science and progressing the advancement of science in Australia.

The awards recognise remarkable achievements in research fields including Earth sciences, biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, experimental biomedicine, genetics and more, with some awards nominations being open biennially.

According to Dr Lara Malins, one of many award recipients featured in the Academy’s Science Matters magazine, the JG Russell Award she received is more than just extra funding. “It was just really fantastic to have that support. Awards that recognise early-career researchers set them on a trajectory that helps them be more successful.”

The Academy is committed to celebrating and supporting diversity. It is seeking nominations of outstanding scientists from all career stages, backgrounds and genders, and strongly encourages more nominations of women for all awards, in particular the premier, career and mid-career honorific awards.

New Premier Awards category

The recently launched Ruby Payne-Scott Medal and Lecture joins the Matthew Flinders and Macfarlane Burnet medals and lectures as an Academy Premier Award. The Premier Awards category is the Academy’s most prestigious category of awards, recognising researchers of the highest standing over a career of any length. Candidates and nominators for these awards may be non Fellows. The STEM sector is strongly encouraged to nominate suitable candidates for these awards.

Important dates

Honorific award nominations

All honorific award nominations close 1 May 2021.

Research conferences, research awards and travelling fellowships

All research conferences, research awards and travelling fellowships applications close 1 June 2021.

See below for the full list of 2022 awards, grants, fellowships and funding. More information on each award can be found at the Academy's Awards page, including how to nominate or apply.

Awards and opportunities now open

Earth sciences
Physical sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biological science
Biomedical science
Population and the environment, and environmental science
Engineering

Statement on Facebook blocking science expertise

The nation’s peak bodies representing science and scientific expertise have expressed deep concern about Facebook blocking content today from a range of non-news science organisations.
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Statement on Facebook blocking science expertise

The nation’s peak bodies representing science and scientific expertise have expressed deep concern about Facebook blocking content today from a range of non-news science organisations.

On Thursday, Facebook blocked content from groups including Science & Technology Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Science Media Centre, the Australian Science Teachers Association, Professionals Australia, The Royal Institution of Australia, and Research Australia.

These organisations share valued and peer-reviewed science insights and Australia’s deep scientific knowledge.

The changes also affected state health departments including those in South Australia and Queensland and some emergency services feeds.

The move comes as part of Facebook’s push back against Australia’s new media code which was passed by the lower house last night and now awaits Senate approval.

Australian Academy of Science Chief Executive Officer Anna-Maria Arabia said Facebook cannot reduce misinformation while blocking sources of trustworthy scientific information. 

Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the move to block content from science organisations risked denying the public access to important scientific and health information.

“For Facebook to block access to the feeds of trusted science and health organisations in Australia during a pandemic and bushfire season is irresponsible and dangerous.”

“At a time when the company is taking steps to tackle misinformation on its platform, it’s concerning it has chosen to silence some of this nation’s leading scientific voices.”

Dr Susannah Eliott, CEO of the Australian Science Media Centre said: “We are very concerned about the impact of this action on the quality of information reaching the public. Facebook is used by many non-news organisations to distribute evidence-based information to the public on critical issues such as vaccines, pandemics, climate change and extreme weather events. Social media platforms have a responsibility to enable the sharing of accurate information on these key topics and not increase the prominence of misinformation.”

Australian coastal communities could reap benefits of blue economy

Australian communities and decision makers are optimistic about their opportunities in a blue economy, but remain concerned about the wellbeing of coastal communities, a nation-wide consultation by Future Earth Australia (FEA) has found.
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Australian coastal communities could reap benefits of blue economy

Coastal communities like Bondi could benefit from a 'blue economy'. Photo by Kelvin Li on Unsplash.

Australian communities and decision makers are optimistic about their opportunities in a blue economy, but remain concerned about the wellbeing of coastal communities, a nation-wide consultation by Future Earth Australia (FEA) has found.

FEA today released outcomes papers from seven state and territory-based consultation workshops, which lay the foundations for its 10-Year Strategy on Ocean and Coastal Sustainability.

Dr Beth Fulton, co-chair of the expert working group, said the papers revealed that Australian oceans and coasts are threatened by the fragmented way they are managed.

“Not only does this fragmentation threaten our environment, but it stands in the way of a sustainable blue economy.

“Marine industries like offshore energy and sustainable aquaculture should only be developed in a manner that improves community prosperity and wellbeing, while also promoting thriving marine ecosystems.”

The consultations sought the perspectives of researchers, decision makers, practitioners, First Nations people and community groups.

Emeritus Professor Nick Harvey of the University of Adelaide, co-chair of the expert working group, said the consultations highlighted that urgent coastal and marine issues are not seeing proportionate attention in the policy agenda.

“While some of the most exciting coastal and ocean protection is being led by community groups and passionate people locally, many citizens are not aware of what is coming as the climate changes—like the increasing frequency and severity of coastal storms, or the decline in rivers and estuaries.”

While each state and territory outcomes paper highlighted issues important to their individual areas, common themes included:

  • A demand for a coherent and integrated governance system of ocean and coastal management that brings in all three levels of government,
  • A priority for the knowledge of First Nations people to be centred in knowledge and governance practices, and
  • A need for an open-access national platform for data and information sharing about data affecting the ocean and coast, such as ocean health and acidification and climate modelling around flood and fire risk.

FEA Director, Dr Tayanah O’Donnell, said the outcomes papers will inform the recommendations made in the 10-Year Strategy.

“Future Earth Australia strategies are grounded in grassroots actions and the applied reality of stewarding human and natural systems, along with high-level guidance from national leaders on the expert reference group.”

The 10-Year Strategy on Ocean and Coastal Sustainability, which will outline strategies for achieving healthy and resilient oceans and coasts for all of Australia, will be released in early 2021.

Future Earth Australia is a national peak initiative that enables Australian researchers, governments, industry and NGOs to collaborate with each other and with international networks and programs across Australia and Oceania.

This will be the second targeted strategy created by FEA, following the publication of an urban sustainability plan that was launched in December 2019 at the State of Australian Cities Conference.

The outcomes papers can be read here: https://www.futureearth.org.au/publications

Further information on FEA and the 10-Year Strategy: https://www.futureearth.org.au/initiatives/ocean-and-coastal-sustainability

Academy Fellow recognised internationally in celebration of women and girls in science

Academy Fellow Professor Martina Stenzel has been internationally recognised as one of the most distinguished women in chemistry by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). She was listed alongside eleven other female chemists from around the world to receive the 2021 IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award earlier this week.
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Academy Fellow recognised internationally in celebration of women and girls in science
Professor Martina Stenzel has received a 2021 IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award. Photo: UNSW Sydney

Academy Fellow Professor Martina Stenzel has been internationally recognised as one of the most distinguished women in chemistry by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). She was listed alongside eleven other female chemists from around the world to receive the 2021 IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award earlier this week.

“An award like the 2021 IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Awards showcases the achievements of 12 female scientists, but behind that is an army of brilliant female researchers in every country that make their impact every day,” says Professor Stenzel, from UNSW Sydney.   

“We are just representing the incredible talent that is available in every country, but it is time that this talent receives the support, mentorship and recognition it deserves.”

Professor Stenzel is a renowned polymer chemist and has been the chair of the Academy’s National Committee for Chemistry since 2017. She was elected to the fellowship of the Academy in 2018.

“Martina has given so much to the Australian chemistry community, not only through her cutting-edge research, but also as a mentor to many, and as Chair of the National Committee for Chemistry,” says Professor Elizabeth New from the University of Sydney, who assisted in nominating Professor Stenzel to IUPAC. “I am delighted to see that her contributions are recognised through this award.”

This is the eleventh year of the IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award, which was launched during the International Year of the Chemistry in 2011 and is awarded every two years. It recognises women in chemistry contributing to the field through scientific research, education, and leadership in their communities. The announcement comes ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February.

Max Day Awards support researchers to protect bees and frogs

Bees are dying off around the globe, but one of the recipients of the Australian Academy of Science’s 2021 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award is working to protect them in Australia.
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Bees need healthy diets too

Max Day Awards support researchers to protect bees and frogs

Ms Lea Hannah, a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University, received the 2021 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award. Photo: supplied.

Bees are dying off around the globe, but one of the recipients of the Australian Academy of Science’s 2021 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award is working to protect them in Australia.

In 2019, 50 billion bees died in just a few months while being deployed for America’s almond pollination.

Ms Lea Hannah, a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University, is looking at how a diversity of flowers near orchards can support bees, which play a key role in many agricultural industries, including almonds.

She’s planting extra floral resources on several orchard plantations in Victoria’s Sunraysia district. The aim of additional species is to improve the diet of the honey bees, rather than just relying on almond flowers, making them stronger and more resistant to vulnerabilities.

“These resource plantings that I've done is a multi-species mix of five different plant species that are flowering as the bees come into the almond orchards,” Ms Hannah said.

The Max Day Fellowship grant will allow Ms Hannah to assess the results of her experiment, using next-generation DNA sequencing of the pollen collected by the bees.

Frogs affected by fungus fight to survive

Max Day Awards support researchers to protect bees and frogs

Dr Laura Brannelly, a researcher at University of Melbourne, received the 2021 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award. Photo: supplied

DNA sequencing is also at the heart of the work of Dr Laura Brannelly, the other recipient of the 2021 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award. Originally from Boston, she now studies Australia’s alpine tree frog at the University of Melbourne.

The alpine tree frog once occupied much of the Snowy Mountains, but is now consider endangered in New South Wales and Victoria, partially due to the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, which is affecting amphibians across the globe.

Although the alpine tree frog has been severely impacted, Dr Brannelly says the fact the species has persisted is significant.

“We think that the reason why these animals are still surviving in these populations is because they’re putting more effort into breeding,” Dr Brannelly said.

“The idea is called terminal investment. When an animal thinks that it’s about to die, it will do all it can to keep its genes within the population.”

She intends to use her Max Day grant to better understand that process by analysing the genetics of 20 frogs from nine populations, which could help with future management strategies.

The legacy of an environmental champion

The Max Day award provides up to $20,000 for early-career researchers working on the conservation of Australia’s flora and fauna, the ecologically sustainable use of resources, and the protection of the environment and ecosystem services.

It is named in honour of Academy Fellow, the late Dr Maxwell Frank Cooper Day AO FAA, who spent a lifetime championing entomology, conservation and forestry, as well as helping other scientists.

Three researchers and their projects were also ‘highly commended’ for the 2021 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award:

  • Dr Luke Jeffrey: Greenhouse gas guzzlers: Are methane consuming microbes active within the bark of endemic Australian wetland trees?
  • Ms Maggie-Anne Harvey: Developing low-impact selenium agromining using Neptunia amplexicaulis
  • Dr Stephanie Gardner: Deciphering the microbial signature of nitrous oxide producing ascidians

Applications for the 2022 awards will open soon.

More information about the Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award

Academy shines a spotlight on new Australian science with Research Focus video series

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With the world’s population expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050, increasing food production is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

The future of our food sources relies on photosynthesis and scientists say improving photosynthesis is critical to improving crop yield.

Since 2014, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis has made significant progress towards developing crops that will enhance growth and yield. New research at the centre has also found how to ramp up photosynthesis.

The work of the centre features in a new video published by the Australian Academy of Science.

The video is part of the Academy’s ‘Research Focus’ series, which creates unique digital video content to showcase the depth and breadth of Australian research that is sometimes unknown to the public and decision-makers.

The benefits of sharing research include the potential for further support and funding, and to encourage better understanding within the community about the benefits of public investment in research.

The Academy has more than 2.4 million followers on social media—one of the largest social media followings of any Australian science organisation. It produces accurate, trusted and engaging science content that is read and shared by millions across the globe.

Other institutions that have so far partnered with the Academy to highlight their research include:

University of Sydney

  • New treatment for addiction?—Associate Professor Michael Bowen and his colleagues have developed a new drug which mimics the effects of oxytocin to treat addiction and social disorders and are gearing up to start human trials this year.

Queensland University of Technology

  • Mapping the migrane mystery—Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. QUT researchers are involved in research which aims to identify which genes play a role in the debilitating illness.
  • Ancient plant helps vaccine development—QUT scientists have sequenced the genome of an ancient Australian tobacco plant that helps develop vaccines and they’re sharing it with researchers around the world to aid the COVID-19 vaccine development effort.

The Academy invites Australian universities, research institutions and STEM organisations to partner with it and be part of the Research Focus video series.

Find out more about Research Focus.

Scientists call on Australian Government to implement Samuel review recommendations

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the recommendations of the Samuel review and calls on the Australian Government to advance them. We also call on the Opposition to support durable, collaborative reform to Australia’s environment laws that places science and Indigenous knowledge at the heart of the EPBC Act.
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A koala holds her joey close

Deterioration of ecosystems and species extinction is occurring at an unprecedented rate in Australia. Photo by Scott Kelly on Unsplash.

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the recommendations of the Samuel review and calls on the Australian Government to advance them. We also call on the Opposition to support durable, collaborative reform to Australia’s environment laws that places science and Indigenous knowledge at the heart of the EPBC Act.

All the recommended elements—national environmental standards, scientific evidence through high-quality data and analysis tools, and robust and independent assurance systems—are essential to ensure that devolved decision-making retains the Australian people's confidence. The report outlines a comprehensive program for reform and should be pursued in full.

The scientific challenge is known and it is urgent. Deterioration of ecosystems and species extinction is occurring at an unprecedented rate.[1]

Around one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, many within decades. Australia has one of the worst records of species extinctions of any continent, with nearly 50% of the world’s known and historically recorded mammal extinctions.[2]

Stresses facing species and ecosystems globally, such as invasive species, overharvesting, habitat loss, and fragmentation, are exacerbated by a rapidly changing climate.[3]

But as the report makes clear, Australia’s biodiversity information systems are antiquated and not fit for purpose. The Academy continues to support the establishment of a national biodiversity information agency.

Only through significant changes in Australia’s data and information systems can we hope to derive economic, social and environmental benefits from our biodiversity regulatory regime.

Science, working with landholders, business, government, and other researchers, can solve this crisis and reverse Australia’s lamentable record for biodiversity devastation.

 

[1] Steffen, W., Broadgate, W., Deutsch, L., Gaffney, O., Ludwig, C., 2015. The trajectory of the Anthropocene: The Great Acceleration. Anthr. Rev. 2, 81–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/2053019614564785; Woinarski, J.C.Z., Braby, M.F., Burbidge, A.A., Coates, D.,

Garnett, S.T., Fensham, R.J., Legge, S.M., McKenzie, N.L., Silcock, J.L., Murphy, B.P., 2019. Reading the black book: The number, timing, distribution and causes of listed extinctions in Australia. Biol. Conserv. 239, 108261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108261

 

[2] Brondizio, E.S., Settele, J., Diaz, S., Ngo, H.T., 2019. Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. IPBES Secr. Bonn.; Hughes, L., 2014. Changes to Australian terrestrial biodiversity, in: Christoff, P. (Ed.), Four Degrees of Global Warming: Australia in a Hot World. Routledge, Abingdon, UK and New York, USA , pp. 63–83.

[3] Creswell, I., Murphy, H., 2016. Biodiversity, in: Australia State of the Environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://Soe.Environment.Gov.Au/Theme/Biodiversity, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65ac828812.

Academy Fellow among Australian space researchers honoured at COSPAR 2021

Three Australian researchers, including a Fellow of the Academy, have received international recognition for their contributions to astronomy and space science at the awards ceremony of the 43rd Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly.
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Academy Fellow among Australian space researchers honoured at COSPAR 2021
From left: Dr Ken McCracken, Dr Alex Held, and Dr Daniel Graham. Image adapted from photos by CSIRO and Yuri Khotyaintsev, IRF

Three Australian researchers, including a Fellow of the Academy, have received international recognition for their contributions to astronomy and space science at the awards ceremony of the 43rd Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly.

Dr Ken McCracken AO FAA FTSE received the COSPAR Space Science Award for “outstanding contributions to space science”. Dr McCracken, elected a Fellow of the Academy in 1987, has been a leading light in space science for over 60 years, working across cosmic ray and heliospheric research, X-ray astronomy, interplanetary archeology and mineral exploration.

His contributions include developing instruments to measure flow characteristics of the solar cosmic radiation (which was central to the formulation of radiation protection procedures in manned space flight) and innovations in time domain electromagnetic methods for exploration geophysics. He currently studies cosmic ray traces in polar ice cores to help interpret the history of the sun’s magnetic field over the past 150,000 years.

As part of the award, Minor Planet (8258) McCracken has been named in his honour.

Dr Alex Held, Director of CSIRO’s Centre For Earth Observation, received the COSPAR Harrie Massey Award for “outstanding contributions to the development of space research in which a leadership role is of particular importance.”

Dr Held is the first winner of this award from the southern hemisphere. Among his other distinguished work in steering national and international science policy, Dr Held led the award-winning delivery of the Sentinel Hotspots program (2002–2006), which is still used to support bushfire response activities in Australia. He is currently overseeing the establishment of the new radar satellite NovaSAR-1 as a national research facility.

Minor Planet (8479) Held has been named in his honour.

Dr Daniel Graham, an Australian researcher at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF), received the Yakov B. Zeldovich Medal, a joint award of COSPAR and the Russian Academy of Sciences, from COSPAR Scientific Commission D. This award is conferred on young scientists for excellence and achievements, and one medal is awarded from each of the COSPAR Scientific Commissions.

After completing his PhD at the University of Sydney in 2012, Dr Graham has worked with IRF in Uppsala looking at the magnetosphere, where earth’s magnetic field meets the solar wind. Recently, he has begun working with the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission.

COSPAR hosts a Scientific Assembly every two years, gathering almost three thousand participating space researchers.

COSPAR’s objectives are to promote on an international level scientific research in space, with emphasis on the exchange of results, information and opinions, and to provide a forum, open to all scientists, for the discussion of problems that may affect scientific space research.

The full citations of all the winners can be found on the COSPAR website.

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