Dr Craig Emerson, Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, announced the inaugural Barry Inglis Medal for outstanding measurement research has been awarded to Associate Professor John Sader.
"Professor Sader, of the University of Melbourne, has worked at the leading edge of scientific instrument development for more than a decade," Dr Emerson said.
"In particular, he developed a new technique – now known as the Sader method – that enables accurate measurements to be made at the nanoscale."
Metrology is the science of measurement.
The Barry Inglis Medal was created to honour the first Chief Metrologist and CEO of the National Measurement Institute.
It acknowledges and celebrates outstanding achievement in measurement research and/or excellence in practical measurements by an individual or group in the fields of academia, research or industry in Australia.
"It's appropriate that the award is announced today, on World Metrology Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875," Dr Emerson said.
Dr Emerson said the NMI Prize for excellence in measurement techniques for a scientist aged 35 years or under has been awarded to Dr Paul Stanwix. Dr Stanwix is currently a post doctoral fellow at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
"This award recognises Dr Stanwix's contribution to precision tests in fundamental physics which were conducted in the University of Western Australia," Dr Emerson said.
"The recipients of both awards are worthy of their honours.
“Each will be an exemplary ambassador for measurement standards that will be not only fit-for-purpose but world class as well."
Media contacts: Chris Ward, Minister Emerson's office 0418 424 654
Yen Heng, National Measurement Institute ph 0418 616 118