ATSE congratulates game-changing Fellows on 2026 Honours

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) extends its warm congratulations to the five Fellows recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours. 

“These recipients are responsible for extraordinary and innovative work that makes a real difference,” said ATSE President Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FTSE FAA. 

“It’s a fitting recognition to see them appointed to the Order of Australia and we extend our most heartfelt congratulations to them. 

“We’re so proud of the outstanding work of our Fellows and the significant role they play in tackling some of Australia and the world’s most complex problems. 

“From robotics to geotechnical science, the Fellows who have been appointed to the Order of Australia today are leaders in their fields and, as ATSE President, it’s a privilege to work alongside them.” 

Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi AO FTSE is Chair of ATSE’s Assembly and has been an active member, including Chair and Deputy Chair of ATSE’s Industry and Innovation Forum. He has been recognised for distinguished service to tertiary education, engineering, robotics and haptics research, and defence capability development. 

Professor Peter Cook AC CBE FTSE has been an ATSE Fellow since 1998 and is one of Australia’s foremost earth scientists. He has been recognised for eminent service to science as an innovator, pioneer and international expert in the development of carbon capture and storage, to policy development, and to climate change mitigation. 

Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons AC FTSE FRS FAA was elected as an ATSE Fellow in 2015 and is CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing at UNSW. She has been recognised for eminent service to quantum physics and nanotechnology research, to atomic-scale engineering, to technology innovation and commercialisation, and to STEM education. 

Professor Mark Cassidy AM FTSE FAA has played an active role in ATSE since his election in 2008, including serving on the Batterham Medal Selection Committee. Currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Melbourne, he has been recognised for service to geotechnical science, engineering and academia. 

Dr Adrian Paterson AM FTSE has been recognised for significant service to science in the field of nuclear technology. An ATSE Fellow since 2009, he was a foundational Co-Chair of ATSE’s Elevate STEM diversity program, a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee from 2020 to 2024, and an active contributor to the development of ATSE’s Reconciliation Action Plan.