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Two senior officers of The University of Western Australia are among 37 Australian researchers, technological scientists, engineering, innovation and business leaders elected this week as new Fellows of the prestigious Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).

The Academy, which seeks to foster excellence in technological sciences and engineering to enhance Australia's competitiveness, economic and social well-being, and environmental sustainability, announced the election to its ranks this week of the University's Chancellor, Dr Michael Chaney, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robyn Owens.

They joined other new ATSE Fellows in Infrastructure Australia Chairman (and UWA graduate) Sir Rod Eddington, Qantas CEO and Manager Director Mr Alan Joyce, BHP Billiton CEO Dr Marius Kloppers and Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Iron Ore Group, Mr Sam Walsh.

The Academy cited Dr Chaney for having an outstanding impact on Australia's minerals resource industry.  "From eight early years as a petroleum geologist, he moved to the Australian Industry Development Corporation where he was involved in financing for the North-West Shelf Development," the Academy said.

"He then joined Wesfarmers where, as Managing Director, he diversified the company across a range of activities including coal mining, gas processing and distribution, chemicals and fertiliser manufacture and rail transport."

Dr Chaney was appointed UWA Chancellor in 2005.

The Academy hailed Professor Owens as one of the most prominent women in Australia's technology industries.

It said her fundamental research in computer science and her collaborative application of this research to innovations had led to major national and international improvements in human health and wellbeing.

"She is recognised widely for her scholarship, her productive collaboration with researchers and practitioners from other disciplines, her contribution to system-wide excellence in research and research policy, and her contributions to professional and community bodies," the Academy said.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson congratulated Dr Chaney and Professor Owens on their election and praised their outstanding commitment to innovation, excellence, leadership and cooperation - ideals the University shared in common with the Academy.

"These vital qualities help to make UWA an effective centre of international excellence in ideas, knowledge, learning and teaching as we aim to attract the world's best researchers and students, and be one of the world's top 50 universities by 2050," Professor Johnson said.

UWA graduates among other new ATSE Fellows elected this week include Clover Corporation CEO and Managing Director Dr Ian Brown, Toro Energy Chairman Dr Erica Smyth and Leighton Holdings CEO and Managing Director Mr Hamish Tyrwhitt.

Media references

Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783