The has honoured two former Queensland premiers for their contribution in building the state鈥檚 thriving research culture.
The academy presented ATSE Medals to Peter Beattie (Premier 1998-2007) and Mike Ahern (Premier 1987-89) 鈥渋n recognition of leadership for the growth of science, technology and innovative research, which has been a catalyst for technological advancement throughout Australia鈥�.
Mr Beattie and Mr Ahern are alumni of and have retained strong lifelong connections with their alma mater.
Mr Beattie was recognised for his commitment to science and notably for his work in founding the program.
Smart State鈥檚 flagship research centres 鈥� the , the and the 鈥� are based at 宅男导航.
Smart State paved the way for the critical mass of research centres and institutes that have emerged in Queensland in the decade-plus since the program鈥檚 launch. Smart State was instrumental in building Queensland and 宅男导航鈥檚 reputation as a world leader in biotechnology discovery.
Mr Ahern was Queensland Premier from 1987 to 1989, and he served earlier as Treasurer and Health Minister. He was also the State鈥檚 first Minister for Technology.
As Treasurer, Mr Ahern introduced tobacco tax to Queensland, and diverted proceeds from the tax to funding a new building for the .
He currently chairs the , a joint venture between CSIRO and the .
He also chairs the , which promotes research into liver and associated diseases.
The Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, and Governor General Quentin Bryce attended last night鈥檚 ATSE awards in Brisbane.
Dr Andrew Liveris 鈥� the US-based president, chairman and chief executive of the , and 宅男导航 alumnus 鈥� spoke at the event by live video link from New York. He urged Australia to increase its investment in research and development.
The awards honour the visionary (1899-1959), the foundation head of CSIRO鈥檚 Division of Animal Health and later CSIRO chairman.
宅男导航 is a sponsor of the ATSE Clunies Ross Awards, now in their 20th year.
Today, the Clunies Ross Award winners joined more than 250 Year 10 students and teachers from across Queensland in the , taking part in hands-on science and technology activities.
Mr Beattie, as a 宅男导航 adjunct professor, continues to play a strong advocacy role in promoting the economic and social imperative for governments, industry and philanthropists to keep a strong focus on research. A video where he discusses this can be viewed here:
Media: Fiona Cameron, 宅男导航 Communications, ph +61 7 3346 7086