The Han. Peter McGaur ,MP  Minister for Science and Technology

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 12 June, 1997

AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST WINS TOP HONOUR

An Australian scientist has once again picked up one of the world's most significant science  pnzes.

University of California Professor H . Rodney Withers has been selected by US President Bill  Clinton to jointly receive the 1997 Enrico Fermi Award, the oldest and most prestigious award  made by the US Government.

New York based physicist , Richard Garwin, and Colorado cell biologist, Mortimer Elkind, will  also share in the award.

The Enrico Fermi Award recognises "someone of international stature for a lifetime of  exceptional achievement in the development, use or control of nuclear energy."

In offering his congratulations Science and Technology Minister , Peter McGauran described  Professor Withers as a very worthy recipient.

"His career as both a physician and research scientist has been devoted to the treatment of cancer  through radiation oncology. His breakthrough research in this area has led to significant  improvements in radiation treatment for cancer patients," Mr McGauran said.

"The Queensland-born Professor first studied oncology at the Queensland Radium Institute . He  was a Professor and Director at Sydney's Prince ofWales Hospital from 1989-1991 before  returning to the US .

"Professor Withers attracted world-wide attention in 1964 when he became the first scientist to  produce skin from a single cell.

"In receiving this prize he joins a distinguished group of scientists , including Robert Openheimer  and the father of atomic propulsion, Herman Richover.

"All of Australia should be proud ofthis latest outstanding achievement by an Australian  scientist," Mr McGauran said.

Professor Withers will share in a $100,000 honourarium and will be presented with a gold  medallion at a White House ceremony on 24 July.

Contact; Carmel Christensen on 06 2777 660 or 0419 996766.

