[ASA] Congratulations to Ken Freeman, winner of the 2012 Prime Minister's Prize for Science

[Kate.Brooks at csiro.au]

Dear colleagues,

Please join me in congratulating Prof. Ken Freeman from Australia National University, winner of the 2012 Prime Minister's Prize for Science. The Prime Minister's Prizes for science are Australia's pre-eminent annual awards for excellence in science and science teaching. The major award, the Prime Minister's Prize  for Science, recognises outstanding achievements by Australians in science and technology that promotes human welfare.  Ken received his award from the Prime Minister yesterday evening at an awards ceremony held in the Great Hall at Parliament House. The prize comprises a solid gold medallion and a cash prize of $300,000.

Ken has been shaping and changing our view of the Universe over the past 50 years. He is famous for his incredible contribution to our understanding of Galaxies and dark matter and his impressive publication record. Throughout his career Ken has been committed to training the next generation of astronomers and supporting the Australian astronomy community. Ken has served on many national astronomy committees and was the Secretary for the Astronomical Society of Australia between 1971-1972.  In 2001, Ken was awarded the Society's Robert Ellery Lectureship in recognition of his outstanding contributions in astronomy. Ken has supervised more than 50 astronomy students and continues to be a mentor, inspiration and friend to us all.

The 2012 prize winners are

- Prime Minister’s Prize for Science - Ken Freeman
- Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year – Eric May
- The Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year – Mark Shackleton
- The Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools - Michael van der Ploeg
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools - Anita Trenwith

More information about the 2012 winners, including a great video starring Ken, is available at:
http://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/prime-ministers-prize/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pMnbWSp7Sw4

Congratulations Ken for this well-deserved accolade.


Kate Brooks,
President, Astronomical Society of Australia