March 3, 2020

Professor Allen Nutman awarded the Mawson Medal and Lecture

Australian Academy of Science awards reflect the excellence and diversity in Australian science.

Professor Allen Nutman from the University of Wollongong (UOW) has been awarded one of the Australian Academy of Science’s top career honours, the Mawson Medal and Lecture.

Considered one of the leaders in understanding the evolution of early Earth, Professor Nutman’s techniques have radically reshaped our understanding of Greenland’s geology.

He has made fundamental discoveries concerning the evolution of early Earth, through numerous field campaigns in arduous conditions.

Professor Nutman said his research looks at the big questions: “Where we’ve all come from and where we fit on the planet.”

He revolutionised our understanding of Greenland geology by applying necessary, detailed geological mapping and geochronological dating obtained through state-of-the-art techniques.

Professor Nutman has also made significant contributions to the study of ancient rocks through successful international collaboration.

When he is not out in the field or in the lab, Professor Nutman also spends time educating the next generation of scientists and said their work has never been more important.

“Unfortunately, we live increasingly in something called the post-truth world where a lie is given as equal weight as truth, so science matters,” he said.

The Mawson Medal and Lecture recognises outstanding contributions to earth science in Australia and commemorates the work of the late Sir Douglas Mawson OBE FAA FRS, geologist and Antarctic explorer.  The lecture is delivered at the time of each convention of the Geological Society of Australia.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Jennifer Martin AC commended Professor Nutman on his honour.

“Many congratulations to Professor Nutman, whose world-leading research has been recognised by this incredible honour from the Australian Academy of Science. We celebrate his outstanding contributions to knowledge and his impact on understanding the very beginnings of the world in which we live,” Professor Martin said.

Professor Nutman was one of 18 researchers to be recognised for their contributions to science, receiving prestigious 2020 honorific awards from the Australian Academy of Science.

The scientists’ discoveries cross the breadth of research including new screening approaches to catch the early signs of dementia, the differences between land-based and seafloor volcanic eruptions; and engineering solutions for the complex challenges associated with offshore oil, gas and renewable energy infrastructure.

President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor John Shine, congratulated all the award winners for their inspiring research.

“Recognising outstanding scientific contributions is important, as award recipients are the STEM role models for the next generation,” Professor Shine said.

“These awards shine a spotlight on the leading and diverse applied and basic research happening throughout the country.

“The Academy continues to seek to increase the diversity of nominees for all our grants and awards and this is reflected in this year’s honorific awardees.”