Three’s a charm: Macquarie’s big wins

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Macquarie University researchers have taken out three prestigious awards over two days at the 2017 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes and the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards.


Double win at Eureka Prizes

Associate Professor Rich Mildren took home the prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia, for advancements in laser technology and Dr Emilie Ens, alongside the Ngukurr Wi Stadi bla Kantri (We Study the Country) Research Team, was awarded the honour in the category of Innovation in Citizen Science, for a project developing tools for cross-cultural biodiversity assessment, with national applications.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius, congratulated the winners and finalists on their success.

“I offer my congratulations to Associate Professor Mildren and Dr Ens on their achievements in what was a competitive field among Australia’s best researchers. I would also like to congratulate Professor Gilles Guillemin and Dr Edwin Lim on being finalists in these prestigious awards. Regardless of the final outcome, to be announced as finalists is a wonderful recognition for our academics and their world-impacting research.”

Associate Professor Rich Mildren – High-power diamond lasers invented at Macquarie University

Associate Professor Rich Mildren and his team have developed a technique to make diamond lasers that, in theory, have extraordinary power range. Five years ago, their lasers were just a few watts in power. Now they’ve reached 400 watts, close to the limit for comparable conventional lasers.

“The award is a terrific recognition, not just for the diamond laser team but also as a tribute to the strong tradition of the high-power laser research at Macquarie and MQ Photonics over decades. It is also very timely – one of our goals is to reach out to government and industry partners for translating the research to end users. We hope the additional exposure will be a great help for promoting these activities,” said Associate Professor Rich Mildren.

Dr Emilie Ens – Indigenous and Western science caring for country in Arnhem Land

A unique collaboration between scientists and Aboriginal people in remote south-eastern Arnhem Land is building knowledge about country and how local people can better manage it.

Led by ecologist Dr Emilie Ens from Macquarie University and Ngandi Elder Cherry Wulumirr Daniels, this citizen science research is also working with the Yugul Mangi Rangers to better manage the new threats facing their country – like feral animals, weeds, climate change and altered fire regimes.

“This work is based on 10 years of collaboration with Ngukurr community in remote Northern Territory,” said Dr Emilie Ens.

“I am so proud our work has been recognised as Innovation in Citizen Science and to have shared the Awards evening with three inspiring young leaders from Ngukurr who are now studying at Macquarie and our funding partners The Nature Conservancy and the Atlas of Living Australia.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without them and the support of Ngukurr Elders, community, school and of course the Yugul Mangi Rangers where it all began, especially Cherry Wulumirr Daniels and Julie Roy.”

PACE wins big at AFR Higher Education Awards

afr-awardMacquarie’s Professional and Community Engagement Program (PACE) was recognised for its achievements in enhancing student employment outcomes and improving the performance of students already in employment, at the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards.

“Not only does PACE increase employment opportunities for our students, it also teaches them valuable life skills in leadership, resilience, and other skills needed to be successful in the workplace,” said Professor Kevin Jameson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

“We are very proud of this achievement.”

“Through Macquarie’s unique PACE program, students apply classroom learning in practice and develop valuable career and life skills. Working with one of our 2500 industry and community partners, they accumulate a portfolio of transferable skills, knowledge, and experiences that equip them for the changing world of work and a life of ethical and engaged citizenship. It is wonderful to see the efforts of our students, partners and University staff recognised with this prestigious award,” said Lindie Clark, Academic and Program Director of (PACE) Professional and Community Engagement.

Associate Professor Joanne Jamie and the National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP) were also finalists on the night for the Community Engagement Award which aims to recognise strategies and initiatives that bring together students and external community groups in a way that delivers significant and demonstrable benefits to both.

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