

The Hon Craig Laundy MP  Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science

MEDIA RELEASE  22 May 2017

National Measurement Institute award marks World Metrology Day

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) has recognised the outstanding achievements of an  Adelaide University researcher working on precision measurement with the Barry Inglis Medal.

Professor Andre Luiten was awarded the medal which acknowledges outstanding achievement in  measurement research and excellence in practical measurements.

His team pioneered new techniques for extremely precise and accurate measurement which have  previously been possible in only a handful of national laboratories like the NMI.

His work has been applied across a wide range of fields from large-scale defence radar systems to  radio astronomy, and from atomic clocks and timekeeping to fundamental physics.

Professor Luiten is the director of the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing and holds the  Chair of Experimental Physics at the University of Adelaide.

Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Craig Laundy said the award acknowledged  the importance of metrology - or measurement science - in everyday life.

“Measurement is vital for so many aspects of modern life; it underpins decision making in business,  science, technology, industry, sport and even politics,” Mr Laundy said.

“Professor Luiten has shown tremendous innovation in his field, and I congratulate him on this  achievement.”  The annual award marks World Metrology Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the signing  of the Metre Convention on 20 May, 1875.

The convention sets the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and its  application in industry, science and society.

Mr Laundy said the NMI also marked World Metrology Day with a public event featuring a panel of  transport industry and measurement experts discussing the critical role of measurement in  transport.

“An astonishing range of measurements are required to ensure we can safely, efficiently and  sustainably move ourselves, our food, raw materials and other goods across the world,” Mr Laundy  said.



“This event gave the public the chance to learn more about how measurement supports modern  transport systems both in Australia and globally, and how accurate measurements can deliver  improvements for the future.

“NMI scientists contribute each day in many ways; by ensuring the accuracy of clocks we rely on for  public transport systems, calibrating measurement equipment used in aviation, advising authorities  on traffic noise measurement, through to making sure motorists receive the correct amount of fuel  at the petrol pump.”

More information about the National Measurement institute is available at  www.measurement.gov.au

(ENDS)

