Two researchers from the University of Newcastle have been recognised at the 2022 NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering, presented at Government House, Sydney on Wednesday, 2 November.
The NSW Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering recognise excellence in science and engineering, and reward leading researchers for cutting-edge work that has generated economic, environmental, health, social or technological benefits for New South Wales.
The Prizes aim to raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists and engineers make to our daily lives and encourage careers in both fields.
Professor Anna Giacomini was awarded the Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology prize andProfessor Luke Wolfenden was awarded the Leadership in Innovation in NSW prize, respectively.
Professor Anna Giacomini: Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology under the 2022 NSW Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering
Professor Anna Giacomini is the Director of the University of Newcastle's Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering in the School of Engineering and is committed to innovating, promoting and improving safety in civil and mining environments.
She has been working in rock mechanics and civil engineering for more than 20 years, focusing on rock slope stability and rockfall analyses, in particular improving safety along major transport networks, coastlines and infrastructure and how to prepare against hazardous events.
Professor Giacomini took her passion for engineering to schools and co-founded HunterWiSE in 2017, a partnership initiative that provides opportunities for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to connect, collaborate, and share experiences.
Professor Giacomini said she was thrilled to receive the award.
"It felt surreal at first, but the award is a testament to the exceptional team of researchers I work with and lead. This work has a real impact, from tourists walking on the beach to miners working at the bottom of steep rock surfaces, it's about improving safety for people throughout the region," Professor Giacomini said.
"As extreme events are predicted to increase due to climate change, more slopes and infrastructure will be affected. These government funded projects in collaboration with industry partners help develop new technological practices to adapt to regional industry needs."
Professor Luke Wolfenden: Leadership Innovation in NSW Award Recipient under the 2022 NSW Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering
Professor Luke Wolfenden is a Professor in Public Health in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle and a Program Manager at Hunter-New England's Population Health Unit. He is also a Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) researcher in the Public Health program.
His work focusses on developing and testing interventions that address chronic disease risks and strategies to best implement effective chronic disease prevention interventions in the community.
Professor Wolfenden is known as a world leader in implementation science and chronic disease prevention. His work with NSW Population Health Services has improved the health systems capacity to innovate and addressing chronic disease risk factors, including obesity, diet, physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use.
"It's very humbling to be receiving such a prestigious award and I'm so grateful for my mentors and colleagues who have helped change the way health has been delivered across New South Wales," Professor Wolfenden said.
"The biggest cause of death in Australia is due to chronic disease. My hope is that this award will lead to stronger interest in chronic disease prevention and help Australian's lead healthier lives."
University of Newcastle's commitment to excellence in research and innovation
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Zee Upton said the prizes are a fantastic recognition of the cutting-edge research the University is known for.
"We are pleased both Professor Giacomini and Professor Wolfenden have been recognised for their outstanding contributions. As leaders in their respective fields, their research has a real impact - in the Hunter region and beyond," Professor Upton said.
