Professor Allen Nutman has made some fundamental discoveries concerning the evolution of early Earth, through numerous field campaigns in arduous conditions.
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The University of Wollongong professor has revolutionised our understanding of Greenland geology by applying necessary, detailed geological mapping and applying necessary geochronological dating obtained through state-of-the-art geochronological techniques which he personally obtained.
It is for this reason Prof Nutman was one of 18 outstanding science contributors to receive a prestigious 2020 honorific award on Tuesday from the Australian Academy of Science.
Prof Nutman was awarded one of the Academy's top career honours, the Mawson Medal and Lecture.
The nod recognised the fact Prof Nutman was one of the leaders in understanding the evolution of early Earth and that his techniques have radically reshaped our understanding of Greenland's geology.
He also spends time educating the next generation of scientists and said their work has never been more important.
"Unfortunately, we live increasingly in something called the post truth world where a lie is given as equal weight as truth, so science matters," Prof Nutman said.
Women won 10 of the 18 awards, with the Academy highlighting a number of outstanding contributions to science.
The award-winning scientists' discoveries cross the breadth of research and include new screening approaches to catch the early signs of dementia and the differences between land-based and seafloor volcanic eruptions.
Australian Academy of Science president John Shrine congratulated all the award winners for their inspiring research.
"Recognising outstanding scientific contributions is important, as award recipients are the STEM role models for the next generation," Professor Shrine said.
"These awards shine a spotlight on the leading and diverse applied and basic research happening throughout the country."