The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering has honoured two former Queensland premiers for their contribution in building the state’s thriving research culture.
The academy last night presented ATSE Medals to Peter Beattie (Premier 1998-2007) and Mike Ahern (Premier 1987-89) “in recognition of leadership for the growth of science, technology and innovative research, which has been a catalyst for technological advancement throughout Australia”.
Mr Beattie and Mr Ahern are alumni of The University of Queensland 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 Smart State program.
Smart State’s flagship research centres — the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the Queensland Brain Institute and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology — are based at UQ.
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’s launch. Smart State was instrumental in building Queensland and UQ’s 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’s 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 Queensland Institute for Medical Research.
He currently chairs the Consultative Committee of the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technology, a joint venture between CSIRO and the Queensland Government.
He also chairs the Australian Liver Foundation, which promotes research into liver and associated diseases.
The Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, and Governor General Quentin Bryce attended last night’s ATSE awards in Brisbane.
Dr Andrew Liveris — the US-based president, chairman and chief executive of the Dow Chemical Co, and UQ alumnus — 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 Sir Ian Clunies Ross (1899-1959), the foundation head of CSIRO’s Division of Animal Health and later CSIRO chairman.
UQ 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 Extreme Science Experience, taking part in hands-on science and technology activities.
Mr Beattie, as a UQ 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, UQ Communications, ph +61 7 3346 7086
