Leading QUT researchers in the field of engineering are among the 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists announced today.
Considered Australia’s leading science awards, the nominations look to honour excellence across research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.
Associate Professor Aaron McFadyen and Professor Clinton Fookes, both from the QUT School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics, are respectively shortlisted in the categories of Innovative Use of Technology and Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.
Professor McFadyen is nominated for his collision risk assessment technology – software that has revolutionised the way we analyse, assess and access airspace to make it safer and more efficient.
Endorsed by aviation authorities, and supported by industry partners, his rapid, low-cost risk assessment and map generation software and technologies are being used to automate flight planning, assessment, and the approval of uncrewed – or drone – operations.
Professor McFadyen was awarded the esteemed Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Batterham Medal in 2022 and has received multiple industry innovation awards since. Prior to this, he was recognised through the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Early Career Research Award and twice by the Queensland Government’s Advance schemes.
“Drones are the fastest growing aviation sector, and they have huge potential to bring benefit to our society,” Professor McFadyen said.
“One of the problems we’re facing, however, is the fact that they need rapid access and fast approval to enter airspace safely. What we’ve been able to do is create advanced collision risk assessment technology which will help the industry realise the benefits it’s promised.”
Professor Fookes has been shortlisted for his research across vision, signal processing and AI to build new defence capabilities.
He is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a multi-award-winning researcher, including an Australian Institute of Policy and Science Young Tall Poppy award, a previous Australian Museum Eureka Prize, Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Award, Australian Defence Scientist of the Year, and a Senior Fulbright Scholar.
“I work with Rheinmetall, Airbus, Nova Systems, Revolution Aerospace, Shield AI, and the Defence Science and Technology Group to build solutions for human machine teaming, to understand the electromagnetic spectrum, and to build more robust recognition systems so that we can better support the defence force in the field, in the air, or in space,” Professor Fookes said.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are presented annually in partnership with some of the nation's leading scientific institutions, government organisations, universities and corporations. The Eureka Prizes raise the profile of science and science engagement in the community by celebrating outstanding achievement.
Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO said the awards offered an important opportunity to celebrate scientific courage and determination.
“Now in its 34th year, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists not only display a steadfast commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges but also demonstrate the importance of collaborative innovation and solution seeking.
"The Eureka Prizes show us the power of collective thinking and cross discipline partnership. It is a privilege to see what happens when some of Australia’s greatest scientific minds come together,” she said.
The winners of the 2024 Eureka Prizes will be announced on Wednesday 4 September at a ceremony held at the Australian Museum. A livestream of the awards will also be available online.
Main image (left to right): Associate Professor Aaron McFadyen and Professor Clinton Fookes
Media contact:
Lauren Baxter, QUT Media, 07 3138 3984, lauren.baxter@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
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