UOW research pioneer Prof Gordon Wallace wins Eureka Prize. VIDEO

An internationally renowned researcher with UOW’s ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Prof Wallace’s award is recognition for many years of work cultivating a research vision in the area of ‘intelligent polymers.’

Prof Wallace said the Eureka Prize acknowledged the pioneering work undertaken by his collaborative team, in the use of nanotechnology and additive fabrication in renewable energy and medical science.

“The nomination was really about work we have carried out for over 30 years in Wollongong and establishing new fields of science and engineering,” Prof Wallace said. “It has been exciting to do that and literally hundreds of people have been involved over that period.

“I think it’s great for the group here and Wollongong in general to be recognised in this way. We are really leading the field in our chosen area of endeavour.”

He said the award acknowledged the ability of ACES and its partners to take fundamental discovery to real applications.

“It raises the flag a little bit higher and puts us front of mind amongst our peers who work in scientific research, but also amongst those who use scientific research and use the knowledge that eminates from programs like ours and that is really important.

“It’s an ongoing struggle as researchers across the country, to let other people know about the work we are doing and how it can be useful to them.”

Prof Wallace insisted that the hundreds of people he had worked with around Australia, at ACES and the Australian National Fabrication Facility were to be thanked for their work over the past 30 years.

“It takes an integrated, cohesive and committed team to achieve this. A great team can make most people look like a good captain.”

The Eureka Prizes are Australia’s most comprehensive national science awards, presented annually by the Australian Museum to reward outstanding achievements in Australian science.