Professor Leonie Barner has been awarded the prestigious Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Chemical Service Award recognising her substantial contributions to the field of chemistry and enduring commitment to advancing the profession especially with regards to sustainability.
Founded in 1917, RACI is the professional body for the chemical sciences in Australia. It acts both as the qualifying body in Australia for professional chemists, and as a learned society promoting the science and practice of chemistry.
RACI President Pall Thordarson said the RACI national awards recognise exceptional individuals in advancing the chemical enterprise and making a positive impact in organisations, communities and society.
"Professor Barner's dedication, leadership and tireless efforts have not only furthered the progress of chemistry but have also made a lasting impact on the RACI community and the broader scientific landscape," he said.
"Her contributions have inspired colleagues, students and professionals alike, and it is clear that her work has helped shape the future of the discipline."
A polymer chemist and environmental scientist in the QUT School of Chemistry and Physics, Professor Barner also led the QUT Centre for a Waste-Free World and works closely with fellow academics to develop actionable solutions for sustainability and circular economy.
"I am passionate about catalysing change towards a sustainable future, so this recognition means a lot," she said.
Professor Barner served on the steering committee of the RACI Polymer Division and is a founding member and Queensland representative of the RACI Green and Sustainable Chemistry National Group. She is a DAAD Research Ambassador and serves on the advisory boards for Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics and Global Challenges.
Professor Barner also started the sustainability and environmental theme at the RACI Australasian Polymer Symposium series which is now a reoccurring theme at polymer conferences in Australasia.
Her commitment to the progression of the profession as well as sustainability is reflected in her research approach, supporting interdisciplinary scientific knowledge to develop technical solutions in parallel with the social science knowledge needed to enhance circular economy principles.
Recently, she was invited as a panel member to the National Gallery of Victoria as well as the 2024 Garma Festival, a celebration of Yolngu life and culture held in remote northeast Arnhem Land to discuss solutions for the marine plastic waste and ghost nets problem.
As part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, she is also leading the development of an underwater adhesive gel inspired by nature and investigating ways of using it on coral reefs to accelerate the natural stabilisation process and reef recovery.
