BAMOS July 2021
8 News New Academy Fellow
Professor Andy Pitman was elected as an Australian Academy of Science Fellow in May this year .
Twenty-two Australians were recognised among the nation ’ s most distinguished scientists .
The Academy President , Professor John Shine , congratulated the new Fellows for their achievements on the international stage .
“ These researchers have not only been at the forefront of Australia ' s scientific community , but have also been leaders in global science ,” said Professor Shine .
“ The 2021 Fellows were elected by their Academy peers after a rigorous evaluation . I warmly congratulate and welcome each Fellow on their election and for their extraordinary contribution to science and society .”
Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science are among the nation ’ s most distinguished scientists , elected by their peers for ground-breaking research and contributions that have had clear impact .
The 2021 Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy on 3 November 2021 , with each new Fellow presenting their work and achievements in talks aimed at a general audience on the following day .
Prof Pitman is an international authority on the role of land surface processes in the climate system including their influence on regional rainfall and temperature extremes . His findings have transformed our appreciation of land cover from a passive boundary condition to a dynamic and influential component of the climate system , including climate extremes . As a direct consequence of Pitman ’ s work , there is now an accepted role of land cover change in regional climate projections , and a new field devoted to utilising land cover to mitigate the worst impacts of regional climate extremes .
Morton Medal ceremony
Professor Matt England was presented with the Morton Medal by AMOS President Angela Maharaj ( L ) and NSW Regional Chair Nina Ridder ( R ), at a ceremony in Sydney on 10 June 2021 . The Morton Medal is awarded biennially . Matt was recognised for his leadership and mentorship in oceanography .