World-renowned academic Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO has received Australia’s most prestigious engineering honour at the 2021 Engineers Australia Pinnacles Awards.
“Professor Taylor’s leadership in helping shape modern engineering education and her passion for humanitarian work and diversity make her a worthy recipient of the Peter Nicol Russell Career Achievement Memorial Medal,” said Engineers Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans AM.
National Engineer of the Year Awards were also presented across five categories to individuals who represent outstanding examples of innovation and resourcefulness within the engineering profession, as well as the President’s Prize and honorary fellowships for 2021.
“Spanning sectors such as defence, academia, emergency services and consulting, this year’s finalists and winners demonstrate the depth and breadth of Australian Engineering talent, and I congratulate them all for their extraordinary contribution to our profession,” Dr Evans said.
Peter Nicol Russell Career Achievement Medal – Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO
Elizabeth Taylor has transitioned from success as a professional engineering practitioner to a world-renowned engineering education academic. Her expertise and leadership have helped shape modern engineering education and the broader engineering profession. Her governance wisdom has directed humanitarian efforts that have changed many lives in desperate natural or man-made disaster situations. Her role as Chair of the Washington Accord and other bodies has greatly influenced world engineering.
Professional Engineer of the Year – Prof Saeid Nahavandi (Geelong)
Prof Nahavandi is an outstanding innovator whose work in integrating haptic (tactile feedback) technology into robots and virtual reality systems is transforming how we engage with the virtual world. His research has been successfully commercialised into motion simulators, medical robotics and training simulators for emergency services and defence applications. He is a leader in promoting STEM education, has a passion for supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is an advocate for increasing awareness and consideration of the ethics associated with the rise in artificial intelligence and automation in society.
Young Professional Engineer of the Year – Brittany Coffs (South Australia)
Brittany Coffs has achieved both academically and practically, with a focus on the sustainability of our planet’s water resources. She advocates for the profession via committee and training programs, professional mentoring roles and her work with high school students.
Young Engineer Associate of the Year – Damien Richards (Queensland)
Damien Richards joined the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 17, as a Marine Technician on the HMAS Wewak, Leeuwin and Melville and shore establishments HMAS Cerberus and Cairns. His deployments include Operation Resolute, Anode, Pacific Partnership and PNG Assist providing humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and disaster relief.
Engineering Technologist of the Year – Ashley Flower (Queensland)
Ashley Flower specialises in complex projects, with a background in major infrastructure design including over 100 km of major highway and motorways. He also has a passion for creating engaging community places, is a leading specialist in cycling infrastructure and has designed some of Australia’s most celebrated landscape projects.
Engineering Associate of the Year -Wade Godbee OAM (Queensland)
Wade Goodbee joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a 16-year-old Engine Fitter Trade Apprentice, his work spanning the Canberra Bomber, F-111 Bombers, Chinook Helicopters, and Macchi aircraft. A leader and role model, previous accolades include the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Federation Star Defence Long Service Medal for 40 years of service.
President’s Prize – Australian Tunnelling Society for the Tunnel Design Guideline
The guide has been produced by a team of skilled and enthusiastic practitioners from the Young Members of the Australian Tunnelling Society, chaired by Dr Harry Asche.
Honorary Fellows
Ian Johnston AM
Judith Uren
Christopher Vonwiller
Hon Trish White AM
John Wilson
Kevin Young