The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering has named a University of Queensland Executive Dean, and a prominent alumnus and adjunct Associate Professor, as Fellows.
ATSE said Professor Simon Biggs, the Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, was internationally acclaimed for his research in particle, colloid and interface engineering.
Adjunct Associate Professor Dimity Dornan, a speech pathologist and the founder and Executive Director of Hear and Say, was recognised for her work enabling deaf children to listen and speak by optimising technology such as cochlear implants.
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said the prestigious fellowships were a fitting acknowledgement of the enormous contributions the pair had made in their respective fields.
He said Professor Biggs had created greater opportunities for UQ students to start new businesses and contribute to the Australian economy’s future.
“Through the creation of UQ Idea Hub, Simon is providing UQ students an early-stage introduction into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Professor Høj said.
“We also highly value Simon’s efforts in growing the engineering talent pipeline, through UQ’s Women in Engineering Program - an industry-university partnership.
“Championing gender diversity is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s wonderful to see recognition for Simon’s outstanding contributions in this area.”
ATSE said Professor Biggs was known for championing entrepreneurial and innovative experiences for engineering, science and computer science students, and for his commitment to inspiring female engineering students.
“Prestigious awards and applications of his cutting-edge technologies attest to his impact on industries in the chemical, minerals and nuclear sectors,” the Academy’s citation said of Professor Biggs.
Professor Høj said Dr Dornan was a tireless campaigner to improve the hearing outcomes of deaf children.
“Dimity is recognised nationally and internationally for the impact of her clinical and research work,” he said.
“Through her organisation, thousands of deaf children are given the chance to hear, listen speak and read.
“She has been widely acknowledged for her work. She became a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998, was the 2003 Australian of the Year for Queensland and Suncorp Queenslander of the Year in 2010.”
ATSE fellowships recognise Australia's leading minds in technology and engineering, and are awarded to people who apply technology in smart, strategic ways for social, environmental and economic benefit.
Fellows are drawn from academia, research, government and industry.
Professor Biggs and Dr Dornan join more than 160 UQ staff (including honorary and adjunct appointments) and professors emeriti who are fellows of Australia's learned academies, including the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Australian Academy of the Humanities, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
A full list of UQ’s learned academy members is here.
Contact: communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 7086.
