Biology dominates research awards

 
Emeritus Professor Ian Potter (left)

The hard work of two researchers from the Division of Science and Engineering was recognised with Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Awards at the 2005 Graduation Ceremonies.

The Vice Chancellor’s Excellence In Research Award for Outstanding Research Development, which recognises exceptional research performance and a growing role in research leadership over the previous 5 to 10 years, was awarded to Associate Professor Giles Hardy.

Hardy’s main research interests are associated with the impact of diseases on function and health of managed (mining rehabilitation, horticultural, plantation forestry, agricultural) and natural ecosystems, with an emphasis on the biology and control of Phytophthora cinnamomi and plantation eucalypt health.

His industry commitment has also allowed for the formation of the Murdoch University Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management and more recently a successful bid for a Western Node for the new Forestry CRC that will be based at Murdoch.

The Vice Chancellor’s Excellence In Research Award for Outstanding Research Development 2005, which recognises a track record of sustained research performance and leadership over the previous 10 to 20 years, was awarded to Emeritus Professor Ian Potter.

Professor Ian Potter is one of Australia’s most eminent fish biologists and is recognised internationally for his work on lampreys and fish populations and communities.

Professor Potter is the only fisheries scientist among the 78 Australian scientists, and one of only 250 plant and animal scientists worldwide, who were included in the international Thomson ISI highly cited list. Inclusion in this list recognises the very significant impact of Potter’s published work and represents an acknowledgement by the scientific community of the quality of his research.

His main research interests are the biology, physiology and ecology of various species including larval and adult lampreys, fish and crustacean communities, and estuarine faunas.

The scientific achievements of Ian Potter’s Fish Group were recognised in March 2000 by the founding by Murdoch University of a Centre of Excellence in Fish and Fisheries Research.