An internationally recognised environmental microbiologist has joined the staff at UQ`s Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (NRAVS).
Professor Richard Burns first arrived in Australia from the UK in 2004 when he took up an Honorary Professorship with the School of Land and Food Sciences at the University.
Since that time he has become so involved with the school and NRAVS that he has recently been appointed as a Research Professor.
The Head of UQ`s School of Land and Food Sciences, Professor Kaye Basford, welcomed Professor Burns` appointment.
"Attracting quality research staff with an international profile to the school not only improves the investigative work being undertaken on behalf of industry but also raises the bar for student teaching and learning," she said.
“The experience which Professor Burns brings to the University is exceptional, having taught at both the University of Kent in Canterbury in the UK and the University of California in Berkeley in the US.
“It is important to maintain access to the most cutting-edge research to remain at the forefront of industry development, turning out graduates who are not only knowledgeable and conceptual thinkers but also in a position to drive the industry forward.”
Professor Burns’ research interests include a number of European (and now Australian) collaborations.
He has published many books and papers on such topics as: soil and water pollution; bioremediation of soil; biotreatment of industrial wastes; community activities in biofilms; enzyme regulation and activity in soils and sediments; molecular microbial ecology and the problems of studying complex heterogenous systems.
Professor Burns is also closely involved in a new CRC program on soil contaminant assessment and remediation.
Professor Burns’ accomplishments and activities include being chief editor of the top ranked soils and agriculture journal Soil Biology and Biochemistry. He has served on many national and international committees concerned with science and science policy and, in 1992, was presented with a gold medal by the world’s oldest university, The University of Bologna, in Italy for his contribution to research and teaching in agriculture.
Following the award of an Erskine Fellowship, later this year Professor Burns will be spending time in New Zealand lecturing and discussing research collaborations.
In 2007 he will return to Italy to collect a life-time achievement award for his contributions to environmental biochemistry and enzymology.
Professor Burns is also giving as much time as possible to writing a biography of his ancestor Henry Baker FRS. Baker was a prominent 18th century microscopist, crystallographer and poet who was Daniel Defoe’s son-in-law and co-founded the Royal Society of Arts. Coincidentally, but with perfect timing, Professor Burns has recently been invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Academy.
Having settled with his wife Wendy in the Bayside suburbs, Professor Burns is enjoying the weather and lifestyle of sunny Queensland immensely. He said the hospitality of the school and faculty has been outstanding.
“The only problem I am anticipating in relation to relocating from the UK to Australia is England’s hold on the Ashes may be short lived and next summer could be tough as my colleagues deliver payback for my gloating over the last six months,” he said.
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).
Further information/comment: Contact Professor Burns telephone 3365 2509 or email: r.burns@uq.edu.au
