Annual metrology prizes awarded

Australia’s National Measurement Institute (NMI) has presented the annual Barry Inglis Medal and the NMI Prize. The awards highlight the importance of measurement across diverse spheres of knowledge, according to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science Karen Andrews.

“Measurement is an essential activity that underpins decision-making in everyday life, science, technology, industry and even politics,” Andrews said.

“These scientists are making significant contributions in two quite diverse fields - medical pathology and quantum electrical metrology.”

St Vincent’s Hospital chemical pathologist Dr Graham Jones was awarded the Barry Inglis Medal for his work to improve the accuracy and reliability of chemical pathology testing, via better measurement standards, techniques and clinical reference ranges.

“Dr Jones is an international leader in applying metrology to chemical pathology,” said Andrews. “His work has improved the quality of care for patients, particularly around disease diagnosis and monitoring. This has had a positive effect on many patients’ health outcomes.”

The NMI Prize, awarded to an individual under 35 years of age, went to University of New South Wales research fellow Dr Alessandro Rossi. Dr Rossi’s work in nanoelectronics is helping to realise an improved definition of the ampere - a unit of measurement of electric current.

The prizes are awarded every year on World Metrology Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875.