Professor Derek Eamus
Emeritus Professor Geoff Smith
The UTS Research Awards are an annual event that recognise research excellence and acknowledges the leading research projects of the year. The most prestigious award of the night is the Chancellor’s Medal for Exceptional Research, which honours the very best research achievement at UTS.
This year the Chancellor’s Medal for Exceptional Research was jointly won by Professor Derek Eamus and Emeritus Professor Geoff Smith, both from the Faculty of Science. These two leading researchers have demonstrated outstanding research contributions in the areas of ecohydrology and green nanotechnology.
Over the past 20 years, Professor Eamus has produced high quality research in plant ecophysiology and ecohydrology in Australian savanna trees. His research has established new methods, strategies and theories that incorporate the investigation and relationship of climate, climate change, vegetation function and structure of Australian landscapes.
The impact of Professor Eamus’s research has lead to him being a champion in his field, providing the State and Federal Government with advice on the landscape management of natural resources. Professor Eamus was recently shortlisted as a finalist in the Plant and Animal Sciences category of the NSW Scientist of the Year Award and is a member of the Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts in the Biology Sciences and Biotechnology disciplines.
Professor Smith is renowned for his research contributions to science and technology in energy, coatings and nanotechnology. His research has won numerous awards both nationally and internationally and he has successfully published over 200 articles, book chapters and obtained 14 innovative patents.
Professor Smith’s current research projects centre on novel ways to keep buildings cool without using power. A true pioneer in green nanotechnology Professor Smith’s discoveries on novel optical materials have impacted on developments in windows, paints, roof glazing , skylights, polymer based lighting and daylight and natural cooling.
Recently he was promoted to the Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Fellowship (PDF, 52kB), an international society that focuses on the advancement and interdisciplinary approach to science and light application. Nominated by peers, SPIE Fellows are respected as world leaders in optics and related matters such as solar energy, energy science, nanoscience and nanoengineering.
Professor Smith is the co-author of a newly released book, Green Nanotechnology: Solutions for Sustainability and Energy in the Built Environment. The book links basic nanoscience concepts with examples of where they can impact energy efficiency, energy supply, and relevant environmental issues.
Professor Greg Skilbeck, Associate Dean, Research at UTS: Science said, “This is a great feat for both Derek and Geoff and the faculty of Science. I am extremely pleased about this joint win because the Chancellor’s Medal for Exceptional Research honours the very best research achievement at UTS.”
“It highlights the diversity and high quality research that is coming out of the Faculty of Science. What’s more impressive is that UTS: Science researchers are producing high quality research that has real impact and benefits for industry, the environment and society at large.”
