The National Measurement Institute (NMI) announced the winners of the 2024 Measurement Awards. This included dual winners for the highest honour – the Barry Inglis Medal.
The awards highlight the world-leading and world-changing measurement science happening inside Australian laboratories.
Barry Inglis Medal for sustained contributions to Australian metrology
Two applicants received the prestigious Barry Inglis Medal for excellence in metrology. Both have made significant contributions to the field of terahertz technology and measurement. Terahertz frequencies are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They fall in a narrow area of the spectrum between microwave radiation and infrared light.
Professor Vincent Wallace from the University of Western Australia was acknowledged for his work developing optical measuring equipment for the medical industry. This includes the development of new terahertz spectroscopy methods for pharmaceuticals, multiphoton microscopy for deep tissue imaging, and tools to measure tumour margins during surgery.
Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide also received the Barry Inglis Medal for his work supporting the development of terahertz communications and material characterisation applications. As the founder of the University of Adelaide’s Terahertz Engineering Laboratory, Professor Withayachumnankul’s research has explored a wide array of new measurement techniques to enable commercialisation of terahertz-based technologies.
Measurement Achievement Encouragement Award for early to mid-career achievements
Dr Pei Lay Yap from the University of Adelaide received the Measurement Achievement Encouragement Award for her work in the standardisation of graphene characterisation. Dr Yap’s techniques overcome existing issues with identifying fake graphene on the market. This work will support the eventual goal of creating reliable, low-cost and rapid techniques to test the properties and quality of graphene materials.
NMI Measurement Impact award for measurement-related achievements
Dr Arman Siahvashi from the University of Sydney took home the NMI Measurement Impact Award for his work developing high-precision measurement devices to support the clean energy sector. Dr Siahvashi’s work includes measuring the behaviour of hydrogen at various temperatures and pressures for safe and efficient storage and transport.
Winner of the People’s Choice
Dr Arman Siahvashi also won the People’s Choice award.