The Australian Institute of Physics NSW Awards and Prizes

Postgraduate students honoured for outstanding theses

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:34:52 GMT

The AIP NSW Branch celebrated outstanding achievement in physics at the 2025 Presentation of Awards at the Concord Community Club, spotlighting researchers and communicators whose work is advancing the discipline and its impact across NSW.

We were honoured to hear from Dr Danielle Holmes, our distinguished presenter and joint 2025 Women in Physics Lecturer, as we marked the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

The AIP recognises excellence across our profession. Congratulations to all awardees whose contributions are advancing physics and its applications.

2025 AIP NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award Recipient:

Dr Danielle Holmes (UNSW)

2025 AIP NSW Bragg Excellence Award Recipients: For the most outstanding PhD thesis in physics or its applications:

Claudia Reyes (UNSW)
David Sweeney (University of Sydney)
Fang Zeng (University of Sydney)

2025 AIP NSW Thomas H. Laby Excellence Award Recipients: For outstanding Honours or Masters thesis in physics:

Marko Beocanin (UNSW)
Anna Carpenter (University of Newcastle)
Rhys Mackintosh (University of Sydney)

We also extend our sincere thanks to Helen Lorigan and the LCU (Laboratories Credit Union) for sponsoring the Community Outreach to Physics Award since 2020. Their ongoing support and partnership is invaluable.

Photos by Dr Frederick Osman.

Australian Institute of Physics New South Wales Awards in 2024

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:16:48 GMT

The NSW Bragg Gold Medal nomination recognises the most outstanding PhD thesis in physics by a student from a University in NSW.

Markus Mosbech, University of Sydney, School of Physics
Yuanming Wang, University of Sydney, School of Physics
Simon White, University of Technology Sydney, School of Mathematical and Physical Science

AIP NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award is presented to an individual that seek to achieve activities that engage our community and contribute to public engagement within physics. In its eleventh year, the AIP NSW Branch congratulates Associate Professor Karen Livesey, from the University of Newcastle as the very worthy recipient in 2024.

AIP NSW Annual Research Poster Presentation Prizes

Congratulations to the following 2024 recipients who received prizes for their best research poster presentations:

PhD Category:

Winner: Albany Asher, Western Sydney University

Prize: sponsored by ArcherX

Joint Runners-up:

Elizabeth Arcadi, Macquarie University

Prize: sponsored by Diraq

Oliver Oayda, University of Sydney

Prize: sponsored by Diraq

Masters Category:

Winner: Zachary Smeaton, Western Sydney University

Prize: sponsored by Boson Engineering

AIP NSW Annual Postgraduate Awards in Physics are open to nominated postgraduate individuals to compete for the AIP NSW Postgraduate Medal and the Royal Society of NSW Jak Kelly prize. These awards have been created to encourage excellence in postgraduate physics research:

AIP NSW Postgraduate Physics Award Winner

Callum Sambridge, Australian National University, Research School of Physics AIP NSW Postgraduate: Royal Society of NSW

Jak Kelly Award Winner

David Sweeney, University of Sydney, School of Physics AIP NSW Postgraduate Excellence Plaques

Congratulations to the following 2024 recipients who were nominated and participated in the NSW Postgraduate awards recognising the nominee’s highest standing:

Meghna Mukesh Menon, Macquarie University, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
David Sweeney, University of Sydney, School of Physics
James Cullen, University of New South Wales, School of Physics
Callum Sambridge, Australian National University, Research School of
Physics
Amar Salih, University of Technology Sydney, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Chloe Wilkins, University of Newcastle, School of Information and Physical Sciences
James Cayley, University of Wollongong, School of Physics

AIP NSW Best Graduating Student Prizes

The NSW best graduating student prizes acknowledge individuals nominated by each Physics Institution, with superior performance in their studies:

Marko Beocanin, University of New South Wales
Anna Carpenter, University of Newcastle
Melissa Hill, Macquarie University
Eiden Thomas Loomes, University of Sydney
Sergei Nedic, University of Technology Sydney
Kiarn Roughley, University of Wollongong
Zachary Smeaton, Western Sydney University

AIP NSW Best Physics K-12 Investigation Awards with the Science Teachers Association of NSW

Primary prizes awarded to K-6 projects that stand out for their use of physics

First prize: William Henwood, Beau Sheppard, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, "Drag Racer Dynamics"
Second prize: Marcus Nicholas, St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, "Swinging Pendulums"
Third prize: Alice Mou, Meriden School, "LED: Wire Wilt: How do light-emitting diodes fade as temperature increases"

Secondary prizes awarded to 7-12 projects that stand out for their real or potential application of physics to address real-world problems

First prize: Lily Rofail, PLC Sydney, "Taking Shark Skin for A Spin: Can shark-dendrite-inspired vortex generators reduce heavy vehicle fuel consumption?"
Second prize: Jasmine Civardi, PLC Sydney, "The Solar Glass Window - Developing the use of chlorophyll as a dye in a Dye-Sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and designing a transparent DSSC for application in buildings and windows"
Third prize: Zihan Luo, James Ruse Agricultural High School, "Investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of 3D printed integrated strain sensors printed vertically using inflexible thermoplastics."

Ultra-low-watt lasers and mapping black holes: AIP NSW Postgraduate Awards

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 23:45:00 GMT

Congratulations to all 2024 postgraduate nominees for their outstanding presentations at AIPNSW’s recent Postgraduate Awards Day.

Ultra-low-watt lasers for intersatellite communication -
Callum Sambridge, Australian National University, won the Best Postgraduate Presentation. Callum received the 2024 AIP Crystal Postgraduate figurine and a $500 prize.

Developing the first map of the “galactic underworld” -
David Sweeney, University of Sydney, won the Royal Society of NSW Jak Kelly Award.

The other nominees also gave fantastic presentations:

Meghna Mukesh Menon, Macquarie University
James Cullen, UNSW Sydney
Amar Salih, University of Technology Sydney
Chloe Wilkins, University of Newcastle
James Cayley, University of Wollongong

These awards were created to encourage excellence in postgraduate work. All nominees who participated in the Postgraduate Awards Day received the Special AIPNSW Plaque recognising the nominee’s high standing.

Back row, left to right: James Cayley, Amar Salih, James Cullen.
Front row, left to right: Callum Sambridge, David Sweeney, Chloe Wilkins, Meghna Mukesh Menon.

The AIP NSW Branch’s new Service Awards

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:30:00 GMT

The Australian Institute of Physics New South Wales Branch has instituted this annual prize awarded to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the branch, and the NSW physics community in general, over an extended period.

The AIP NSW Branch’s new Service Award will be presented each year at the NSW Branch Presidents’ Dinner. The 2024 Presidents’ Dinner, held in September, recognised four outstanding AIP educators. Congratulations to our award recipients on the amazing work you do to give our profession a bright future.

Associate Professor Matthew Arnold MAIP, who joined the committee in 2014 and was AIPNSW Chair in 2016-2017.

Professor Michael Lerch FAIP, who joined the committee in 2004 and was AIPNSW Chair in 2006-2007 and 2022-2023.

Dr Scott Martin FAIP, who joined the committee in 2005 and was AIPNSW Chair in 2012-2013 and 2020-2021.

Dr Graeme Melville FAIP, who joined the committee in 1998 and was AIPNSW Chair in 2010-2011 and 2014-2015.

The AIP NSW Branch continues to increase the profile of physics within industry, academia, and the wider general community. This success is possible through the hard work and dedication of the awardees, over many years of service to the Branch by leading the Committee as Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer, or leading the Committee Portfolios in awards and events. The awardees have accomplished this all as passionate volunteers for over a decade.

Nanomaterials Superstar: 2024 Community Outreach to Physics Award winner

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 01:12:20 GMT

For exceptional contributions to community physics outreach, Assoc. Prof. Karen Livesey, University of Newcastle, will receive the 2024 Community Outreach to Physics Award from the AIP NSW branch.

With expertise in magnetic nanomaterials, Karen is one of 60 national Superstars of STEM (Science and Technology Australia). She has made significant contributions to community outreach across the state and the nation, impacting a large number of diverse audiences through different platforms:

High profile advocate of gender equity in physics, notably the 2023-24 Superstar of STEM, 2023 AIP Women in Physics Lecturer, and coordinator of the 2024 WIP tour
National level media engagements promoting e.g. Science Meets Parliament and articles for the conversation
Mentorship of young scientists via programs such as
the National Youth Science Forum and the AINSE Women in STEM national conference

The Community Outreach to Physics Award is given annually by the NSW AIP branch to an individual that engages in activities that involve our community and contribute to public engagement with physics.

Karen will receive a $1,000 monetary award, and a framed certificate at the 2024 NSW Branch President’s Dinner Presentation Ceremony on Friday 6 September.

More about Karen’s outreach achievements.

Events and awards by the AIP NSW Branch

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 03:45:00 GMT

Coming up at the AIP NSW Branch:

AIP NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award. Nominations close on 5 July.

Know an excellent communicator of physics who has contributed greatly to outreach and physics education in NSW? Nominate them for the 2024 NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award. More information and nominate.

AIP NSW Branch student awards. Acknowledge your best students by nominating them for the 2024 AIP NSW Branch student awards. Each physics institution in NSW is invited to nominate physics students. Various closing dates. More information and nominate.

AIP Women in Physics Lecture Tour is coming to Wollongong in National Science Week! Prof Susan Coppersmith presents “What do theoretical physicists do?” on 12 August. Registrations now open.

AIP Einstein Lecture in Sydney on 13 August. From the celestial ballet of exploding supernovae to the cosmic whispers of gravitational waves, acclaimed astrophysicist Prof Tamara Davis’ journey through the cosmos promises to captivate and inspire. Register here.

AIP NSW Branch Annual Presidents’ Dinner in Sydney on 23 August. Join us in an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition for the 3rd annual joint Presidents’ Dinner between the NSW Branches of the AIP and RACI. Our members and guests will be treated to a generous 3-course meal and a line-up of exceptional presenters. Registrations open soon. Check the More info.

Physics in the Pub night in Sydney on 27 August. See physics-related comedy, demonstrations, and quizzes at AIP NSW branch’s 2024 Physics in the Pub night. Hosted by Dr Phil Dooley of Phil Up on Science. More info and RSVP here.

LAZSTA Science Conference in Wollongong on 13 - 14 September. Register here. Accreditation: The conference will have at least 4 hours PER day registered for accreditation purposes.

The World Recognition Awards honour educators with the World Teachers' Recognition Award who have made a wonderful contribution in advancing the education profession. Nominations close 28 September. Nominate here.

STEM Education and Industry Forum in Sydney on 30 September. Registrations are now open.

AIP NSW Poster Presentation winners announced

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:20:00 GMT

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 AIP NSW Branch Research Poster Presentations held on 8 April.

PhD winner: Albany Asher
PhD runner-up: Elizabeth Arcadi
PhD runner-up: Oliver Oayda.
Masters winner: Zachary Smeaton.

Thank you to all our Industry Sponsors that contributed to bringing this event together: ArcherX, Boson Engineering, and Diraq.

2024 NSW Postgraduate Award nomination form

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 02:17:15 GMT

AIP Postgraduate Awards Information - Tuesday 12 November 2024.docx

2024 AIP NSW Community Outreach nomination form

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 01:41:00 GMT

The nomination form for the 2024 Community Outreach Award can be downloaded here:

2024 AIPNSW Community Outreach to Physics Award.docx

2023 AIP NSW Postgraduate Award winners

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:51:59 GMT

The NSW Australian Institute of Physics Branch congratulates all the 2023 postgraduate nominees on their outstanding presentations at the Annual AIP NSW Postgraduate Awards event on Tuesday 14 November 2023, held at the Concord Golf Club.

Award winners:

The winner of the AIP Postgraduate Presentation for 2023 was Jacob Johnstone, University of Newcastle. Jacob received the 2023 AIP Crystal Postgraduate figurine, and a $500 award from the Australian Institute of Physics.
The winner of the Royal Society of NSW Jak Kelly Award for 2023 was Jaime Andreas Alvardo-Monte, Macquarie University. Jaime received the 2023 Jak Kelly Award prize from the Royal Society of NSW. The Royal Society of New South Wales congratulates Jaime on this outstanding achievement.
Dr Renee Goreham, Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle received the Community Outreach to Physics Award.

The AIP, RACI and RSNSW congratulates all the Postgraduate students for their outstanding presentations!

See the full presentation report and photos from the event.

Thank you to the Australian Institute of Physics NSW Branch, The Royal Australian Chemical Institute, The Royal Society of New South Wales and Laboratories Credit Union (LCU) for their support to these awards.

Igniting interest in the nano-world: 2023 Community Outreach to Physics Award

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 03:34:24 GMT

For exceptional contributions to community physics outreach, Dr Renee Goreham, Physics Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, will receive the 2023 Community Outreach to Physics Award from the AIP NSW branch.

With expertise in nanotechnology for biomedical applications, Renee has a demonstrated passion and skill for communicating the wonders of physics to people of all ages, and has built new programs to do so.

She has made significant contributions in three areas of physics outreach:

increasing the media representation of women in physics
building grassroots programs to excite rural school students about physics
and coordinating programs to engage school students with the university.

Renee will receive a $1,000 monetary award, and a framed certificate at the AIP NSW Postgraduate Awards Ceremony on 14 November.

More about Renee’s outreach achievements.

Join us for the Annual AIP NSW Postgraduate Awards 2023

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:32:45 GMT

The NSW Australian Institute of Physics Branch congratulates the 2023 postgraduate nominees on their accepted presentations for the upcoming Annual AIP NSW Postgraduate Awards event on Tuesday 14 November 2023 at the Concord Golf Club, 190 Majors Bay Road commencing from 10am sharp.

Further details are provided in the awards schedule, which includes abstracts and times of all presentations.

Presenters will have the opportunity to compete for the AIPNSW Postgraduate medal and the RSNSW Jak Kelly prize which will be announced on the day.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event to support the presenters.

Event Schedule:

Presentations at the Concord Golf Club commencing from 10.00am

Presentation of Awards and Prizes commencing from 1.15pm

See further details regarding the Schedule on page 5

This event is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics NSW Branch, The Royal Australian Chemical Institute and The Royal Society of New South Wales.

Nominate for Student Prize: 'AIP NSW Best Graduating Student' 2023

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:38:55 GMT

The Australian Institute of Physics in New South Wales has instituted this annual prize as a means to recognise the work of 'AIP NSW Best Graduating Student' nominated by each Physics Institution in New South Wales. The prize seeks to acknowledge an individual, with a clearly outstanding work in their undergraduate Physics program in New South Wales.

The NSW AIP prize will be presented each year to individuals that have been nominated by their physics institution in New South Wales. The prize will consist of a $250 monetary prize, and a certificate citing the achievement of “AIP NSW Best Graduating Student” in recognition for outstanding performance in the Physics undergraduate program from the individual institution.

Eligibility and Criteria

The nomination from each institution in New South Wales should show that the individual being nominated for the Award has completed an undergraduate / Honours / Masters program in physics and has:

Achieved at least a Distinction average in the Physics program or for Honours students a First Class is achieved as minimum criteria for the prize.

Nominations close on 7th October 2023.

Nomination forms for this Prize should be lodged by email to:

Dr Frederick Osman

Australian Institute of Physics

New South Wales Branch

fosman@bu.edu

Nominations NOW OPEN: 2023 Annual Postgraduate Awards

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:40:21 GMT

Nominations NOW Open: The NSW AIP Branch will hold its 2023 Annual Postgraduate Awards event at the Concord Golf Club, 190 Majors Bay Road Concord on Tuesday 14th November from 10am.

Each University is invited to nominate one student to compete on the day for the $500 prize and Postgraduate Medal.

The Royal Society of NSW will also award the Jak Kelly Scholarship prize of $500 as a separate award category for this event.

These awards have been created to encourage excellence in postgraduate work, and all nominees who participate in the Postgraduate Awards Day will receive a special certificate recognising the nominee’s high standing.

Students are asked to make a 20-minute presentation on their postgraduate research in Physics, and the presentation will be judged on the criteria (1) content and scientific quality, (2) clarity and (3) presentation skills.

Please refer to the judges’ criteria and prize information.

Event Schedule:

Student presentations on Tuesday 14th November at the Concord Golf Club from – 10.00am

Presentation of Awards and Prizes from – 1.15pm

This event is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics NSW Branch, The Royal Australian Chemical Institute and The Royal Society of New South Wales.

Nominations strictly close by Saturday 7th October 2023.

Please email the title and abstract of your nominated student presentation in the nomination form to Dr Frederick Osman by Saturday 7th October 2023 at fosman@bu.edu.

Nominate for the 2023 NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award

Mon, 01 May 2023 01:03:59 GMT

The Australian Institute of Physics in New South Wales has instituted this annual award as a means to recognise the work of individuals for community outreach to the discipline of physics. This Award now in its 10^th year, seeks to acknowledge an individual, with a clearly notable record of work in contributing to outreach, physics education, and has demonstrated passion for the study of physics in New South Wales.

The NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award will be presented each year following a selection from the list of those nominated for the Award. The Award will be awarded to individuals that seek to achieve activities that engage our community and contribute to public engagement within physics. The Award is open to everyone in NSW and will consist of a $1000 monetary award, and a framed certificate citing the achievements of the individual.

These Awards are proudly supported by Laboratories Credit Union (LCU) www.lcu.com.au.

Eligibility and Criteria

The nomination should show that the individual being nominated for the Award is engaged within physics and has:

Worked to engage the academic community to physics or academic pursuits.
Effectively developed community events for the public, or other activities that engage our physics community.
Increased awareness, knowledge and experiential learning opportunities for students in relation to physics community development and grassroots work.

Nominations for this award will close on 7th October 2023.

A statement of up to 500 words outlining the work for which the nomination seeks recognition should be lodged on the nomination form by email to:

Dr Frederick Osman,

NSW Branch Secretary, Australian Institute of Physics.

fosman@bu.edu

For further details, please refer to the attached nomination form

2023 AIP Research Poster Presentation Prizes and Network Event

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 01:18:40 GMT

The NSW Branch of the Australian Institute of Physics held its inaugural Research Poster Presentation Network Event at the Western Sydney University Parramatta South Campus on Monday 3 April.

The aim of this new NSW Australian Institute of Physics Research Poster Presentation Network Event was to provide all NSW HDR students (Honours, Masters and PhD) researchers an opportunity to:

present a formal, research-based presentation of their HDR work.
present HDR students research to a learned audience in the friendly environment of a University setting.
promote research opportunities and achievements.
develop physics interaction with researchers, academics, supervisors, students, employers and visitors during the event.
award best research poster presentation prizes recognising the scientific merit exhibited in the Poster Presentation displays.

Prizes were:

$500 Honours Research Poster Prize sponsored by Diraq
$1000 Masters Research Poster Prize sponsored by Boson Engineering
o$1000 PhD Research Poster Prize sponsored by ArcherX

The Research Poster Presentations for 2023 were:

Devika Shobhana, Western Sydney University
Naif Alsalem, University of Sydney
Velibor Velvoic, Western Sydney University
Sanja Lazarevic, Western Sydney University
Peter Macgregor, Western Sydney University
Kieran Luken, Western Sydney University
Rami Alsaberi, Western Sydney University,
Adeel Ahmad, Western Sydney University
Surjit Wadhwa, Western Sydney University
Musawer Bajwa, Western Sydney University
Joel Balzan, Western Sydney University
Elizabeth Arcadi, Macquarie University
Ellen Lu, University of Newcastle
Madeline Hennessey, University of Technology Sydney
Yue (Rocky) Su, University of New South Wales
Long Qiang, University of Sydney
Thuy Ha, Macquarie University
Kimbal Lu, University of Sydney
Rong Fu, University of Technology Sydney
James Cayley, University of Wollongong
Sean Hood, University of Wollongong
John Paul Bustillo, University of Wollongong
Shuji Kojima, University of New South Wales
Pradeep Murthy, University of Sydney

Winners

These awards have been created to encourage excellence in research work, and all nominees who participated in the event received a special certificate recognising the nominee’s high standing.

The winner of the Australian Institute of Physics Research Poster Presentation Prize for the PhD category was awarded to Pradeep Murthy from The University of Sydney. Pradeep received a $1000 prize from ArcherX as sponsors of the PhD Research Poster Prize.

The winner of the Australian Institute of Physics Research Poster Presentation Prize for the Masters category was awarded to Elizabeth Arcadi from Macquarie University. Elizabeth received a $1000 prize from Boson Engineering as sponsors of the Masters Research Poster Prize.

The winner of the Australian Institute of Physics Research Poster Presentation Prize for the Honours category was awarded to Madeline Hennessey from University of Technology Sydney. Madeline received a $500 prize from Diraq as sponsors of the Honours Research Poster Prize.

(Above) Pradeep Murthy; Madeline Hennessey and Elizabeth Arcadi as the 2023 Winners of the AIPNSW Research Poster Presentations.

Congratulations to all of our research students who participated, and thank you to our industry sponsors for bringing this event together!

Branch Awards for NSW 2022

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:03:17 GMT

Congratulations to all recipients of the NSW AIP Awards for their outstanding achievements in physics outreach, postgraduate and graduate studies, and K-12 science.

Dr Devika Kamath from Macquarie University (pictured) received the AIP NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award. This award is in its ninth year and is presented to an individual that engages our community and contributes to public engagement within physics.
Yuanming Wang, University of Sydney, School of Physics received the AIP NSW Postgraduate Physics Award.
Shankar Dutt, Australian National University, Research School of Physics received the AIP NSW Postgraduate: Royal Society of NSW Jak Kelly Award.

Receiving AIP NSW Postgraduate Excellence Certificates were:

Saurabh Bhardwaj, Macquarie University, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Giovanni Pierobon, University of New South Wales, School of Physics
Ivan Zhigulin, University of Technology Sydney, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Levi Madden, University of Wollongong, School of Physics

The NSW Best Graduating Student Prizes acknowledge individuals nominated by each Physics Institution, with superior performance in their studies. Winners were:

Armando Perri, University of New South Wales, School of Physics
Jay Archer, University of Wollongong, School of Physics
Adrien Di Lonardo, University of Technology Sydney, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

AIP NSW Most Outstanding Physics K-12 prizes with the Science Teachers Association of NSW Young Scientist Awards

The branch committee assessed and awarded prizes to the top three projects in the theme “Drones, Droids and Robots”, which were:

First prize: TARS (Year 11-12 project)
Second prize: Timmy The Bushfire Rover (Year 5-6 project)
Third prize: Robot Hand (Year 3-4 project)

The Australian Institute of Physics NSW Branch congratulates all recipients for their incredible achievements.