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Western Australia’s Chief Scientist, one of Australia’s most highly cited astronomers and one of the State’s top public servants are among 12 graduates and a staff member of The University of Western Australia who have been recognised in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Two UWA graduates were among only 15 Australians to receive the top honour of Companion in the General Division (AC) of the Order of Australia, including Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken and Professor Ken Freeman, Duffield Professor of Astronomy at the Australian National University (Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mount Stromlo Observatory) in Canberra.

Professor Klinken, of Subiaco, holds a Bachelor of Science and PhD in biochemistry as well as a Diploma of Education from UWA. A former director of the UWA-affiliated Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, he was recognised for “eminent service to medical research and biochemistry through seminal contributions to understanding the genetics of major diseases, and to the people of Western Australia through promoting the importance of science and innovation”.

A graduate in applied mathematics, Professor Freeman was recognised for “eminent service to astronomy through pioneering contributions in the field of galactic archaeology, as a leading astrophysicist and researcher, to tertiary science education, to professional academies, and as a mentor of young scientists”.

UWA graduates appointed Officers in the General Division (AO) were Professor Ian Hume (Agricultural science), and WA’s Public Sector Commissioner Mal Wauchope (Commerce).

Professor Hume, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Sydney, was recognised for “distinguished service to science in the field of biology, particularly through contributions to nutritional ecology and the conservation of Australian native animals, and to tertiary education”.

Mr Wauchope, of Winthrop, who also has a Master of Commerce degree from UWA, was recognised for “distinguished service to public administration in Western Australia through leadership and advisory roles, to improved governance, public sector management and policy reform, and to the community”.

Seven graduates were awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division: Elizabeth Carr, of Perth (Arts), Dr Stuart Gairns, of Albany (Dental Science), Helen Gibson, of Bulls Creek (Arts), Dr Anne Gray, of Mosman Park (Arts, Master of Arts), Dr Helen Jones, of Bulls Creek (Arts, Dip Ed), Leslie Lauder, of Fremantle (Arts), Emeritus Professor Ronald Taft (PhD) and Ann Tonks (Economics).

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager) (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716