ANU people given the order on Australia Day

Emeritus Hans Bachor. Photo by Connie Bachor.

A world-renowned quantum physicist and a researcher working to improve space travel are among the members of the ANU community recognised with 2012 Australia Day honours.

Emeritus Professor Hans Bachor from the Research School of Physics and Engineering was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM). The award was given for his service to science in the field of quantum optics and his contribution to science education.

Professor Bachor is a leading expert in lasers and plasma and is the director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics based at ANU. He and his team conduct research into the strange behaviour of light and matter on the quantum scale.

Professor Bachor, who has taught at ANU for more than 20 years, is also known for his passion for teaching science and his use of novel and innovative demonstrations - including popping a balloon which is inside a larger balloon to show how lasers are used in eye surgery. Since 2007, Professor Bachor has been the chairman of the National Youth Science Forum, one the nation’s most important science education and outreach programs.

Professor Rod Boswell from the Research School of Physics and Engineering was also recognised with an AM. Professor Boswell was made a member to the order for his services to science in the field of plasma physics and his contributions to the international scientific community.

A former director of the ANU Plasma Research Laboratory, Professor Boswell has been improving our ability to travel through space. Using a revolutionary ’plasma thruster’ engine, Professor Boswell and his fellow researchers hope to propel satellite technology and exploratory missions into the furthest reaches of deep space. Professor Boswell is also currently working on improving mobile phone technology using nano-systems and has co-invented a walk-in virtual reality theatre.

2010 ACT Senior Australian of the Year, John Buckingham, was also made an AM for his service to medicine and particularly the care of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Professor Buckingham, who passed away in March 2011, was a senior lecturer in the ANU Medical School.  The University has established a scholarship in his name.

Ms Julie Tongs, an associate researcher in both the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health and the Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute at ANU, was made a member of the Order of Australia for her service to the ACT Indigenous community.

Past members of the ANU community also received honours in the 2012 Australia Day celebrations, including professors Geoffrey Lindell, John Baird and Mandyam Srinivasan, and former council members Mrs Rosemary Ford and John Tierney.