News & Views item - April 2010

 

 

Australian Academy of Science Medal for 2010 Awarded to Science Journalist Peter Pockley. (April 12, 2010)

The Australian Academy of Science has announced that the Academy Medal for 2010 has been awarded to science journalist, Dr Peter Pockley. The Academy Medal "recognises outstanding contributions to science by means other than the conduct of scientific research by a person outside the Fellowship who has, by sustained efforts in the public domain, significantly advanced the cause of science and technology in Australia or who has, or is deemed to have, made a substantial contribution to the Academy. Normally, the medal is awarded no more frequently than once in three years".

 

Academy of Science Fellow, science radio journalist Robyn Williams said: "Dr Peter Pockley was one of the pioneers of science broadcasting when it had hardly yet been invented. In radio and television, both in Australia and around the world, he led teams and fronted programs which transformed the medium. He combined lively presentation with rigorous accuracy, flair with the highest standards of authority." A visiting professor at the University of New South Wales, Professor Williams went on to note: "Many of us recall the Newtonian phrase about standing on the shoulders of giants. Peter Pockley has had very broad and supporting shoulders. This honour, from his peers, is well deserved."

 

Dr Pockley commented when told of the award: "For me it has been inspiring to deal with the body representing scientists whose research embodies the highest standards of investigation of the natural world and dedication to applying the resulting knowledge for the common good. Now, when science itself is under orchestrated public attack and the survival of authoritative, specialised journalism is threatened just when more of it is needed, it seems timely that an Academy Medal recognises the value of communicating science through the media. As a result, I feel especially honoured with this award."

 

From TFW's viewpoint -- it was long overdue.

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Past recipients are in 1990 – R.J.L. Hawke; 2004 – R.W. Home, N. Swan and P.J. Wills; 2006 – M.M. Gore and in 2008 – S.W. Serjeantson.