UNSW academics are named Fellows for their work in engineered structures and bushfire behaviour.
Professors Xiao Lin Zhao and Jason Sharples are amongst 27 pioneers elected today as Fellows of the Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE).
Elected by their peers, the 2021 new Fellows represent an extraordinary breadth of expertise across engineering, applied science and technology.
ATSE President, Professor Hugh Bradlow said the new Fellows are front-runners in growing Australia’s standing as a top technologically driven nation.
“ATSE Fellows are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to advancing engineering, technology and applied science: they are shaping Australia’s future,” Prof. Bradlow said.
ATSE is an independent body of almost 900 eminent Australian scientists and engineers committed to excellence in engineering, technology and applied science research.
Professor Xiao Lin Zhao FTSE, Associate Dean International, UNSW Engineering
Professor Xiao Lin Zhao is known internationally for his work improving the resilience and safety of engineered structures.
He is a leader in rehabilitating existing steel structures using advanced composite materials and has also provided sustained international leadership in the development and construction of steel and hybrid tubular structures.
Prof. Xiao Lin leads research into sustainable alternatives to cement, the world’s single largest industrial cause of carbon pollution, including work on concrete utilising seawater, sea sand, recycled aggregate and industrial waste such as slag and fly ash.
He has several prestigious international fellowships and has received 25 Australian Research Council grants.
Professor Jason Sharples FTSE, Professor of Bushfire Dynamics, UNSW Canberra
Professor Jason Sharples is a mathematical scientist and internationally recognised expert in dynamic bushfire behaviour and extreme bushfire development.
His research has extensively influenced policy and practice in Australia and internationally. The recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry into the 2019-20 bushfires are framed by Prof. Sharples’ research.
Using complex predictive mathematical models, Prof. Sharples aims to prevent big fires from forming by forecasting danger periods and predicting areas where small fires could develop into big ones.
He directs several national research projects and contributes to international professional dialogue.
A Bundjalung man, Prof. Sharples says Indigenous Australians have been innovators and scientists for thousands of years, a heritage that can continue today, especially through fire and land management.
Read more about the 2021 ATSE Fellows at atse.org.au.
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