QUT Associate Professor Aaron McFadyen is among the winners of the 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes announced last night.
Professor McFadyen, of the QUT School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics and Centre for Robotics, received the Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology – having developed software that has revolutionised the way we analyse, assess and access airspace keeping operations safe while improving efficiency.
“I’m very honoured to receive this award. Creating new technologies in aviation comes with quite a few challenges so I would really like to thank my supporters – QUT, our industry partners and the aviation authorities we have here in Australia. I hope they can feel part of this recognition too,” he said.
The rapid, low-cost risk assessment and map generation software and technologies he developed are currently being used to automate flight planning, assessment, and the approval of uncrewed – or drone – operations.
Professor McFadyen’s innovative contributions to aviation technology have been recognised previously with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Batterham Medal in 2022 and through multiple industry innovation awards.
Professor Ana Deletic, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, said the faculty is very proud of Professor McFadyen and his achievements.
“He is an outstanding researcher who is making real impact in the world.
"We are also incredibly proud of Professor Clinton Fookes who was a finalist for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia which is an amazing achievement,” she said.
Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay congratulated this year's winners and highlighted the critical role of Australian scientific innovation in addressing global challenges.
“The winners of the 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes epitomise the extraordinary impact of Australian science on an international scale. By recognising those who have made significant contributions to science research in areas ranging from regenerative medicine to ocean forecasting and sustainable practices, the crucial role of science in driving progress and fostering a brighter future is reaffirmed,” McKay said.
Australian Museum Research Institute Director and Chief Scientist Professor Kristofer Helgen said receiving an Australian Museum Eureka Prize can lead to paradigm-shifting ideas, allocation of funding and increased awareness of a research topic. It can also cement the shift from a local player to the global stage.
“Awards create positive role models in the wider community as they help elevate the bar of scientific progress. Striving for excellence is key to remaining competitive in a global economy and defining how our world will evolve in the 21st century. Through the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes we honour those who are devoted to making a difference in their respective field and sharing their knowledge with us,” Professor Helgen said.
Main image: Associate Professor Aaron McFadyen at the 2024 Eureka Prizes award ceremony. Photo by James Alcock for the Australian Museum.
Media contact:
Lauren Baxter, QUT Media, 07 3138 3984, lauren.baxter@qut.edu.au
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