The State Government today announced that two internationally acclaimed scientists will take up professorial positions at Curtin University to lead research into areas of key importance to Western Australia.
Professor Carole Jackson and Professor Darlene Ketten have been named as new WA Fellows.
Professor Carole Jackson, an astronomer from New South Wales, will lead a team that will generate research outputs from the Murchison Widefield Array, a Square Kilometre Array (SKA) pre-cursor project. This research will inform the design of SKA-low.
Professor Darlene Ketten, a marine biologist with a joint appointment at Harvard and WHOI, will expand understanding of how sounds in ocean environments impact marine life – reducing the risk to mammals from human activity.
Premier and Science Minister Colin Barnett said Professor Jackson and Professor Ketten were chosen as Fellows for their vast experience and the knowledge they would bring to the State.
“Western Australia has a vested interest in both of these important areas. The SKA will bring worldwide scientific attention to the State’s Mid-West. Professor Jackson’s research will have an impact on the low frequency component of the $2billion SKA project,” Mr Barnett said.
“Likewise, WA has a vested interest in a greater understanding of the ocean environments – industries operating in State waters rely on marine research.
“Significant investments have already been made in these key areas and the addition of the professors will further enhance this investment – the State’s economic success is intrinsically tied to our capacity and expertise in science.
“The Liberal National Government has made this area a priority and will broaden the State’s economy by focusing on scientific research in areas where we have a natural advantage.”
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Press Release, May 10, 2013