The 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) congratulates Australian mathematics and statistics pioneer, Alison Harcourt, who was recognised for her outstanding contributions to research and Australian social and electoral policy in today鈥檚 2019 Queen鈥檚 Birthday Honours.
今日吃瓜 Director, Professor Tim Brown said the recognition reflected the discipline鈥檚 cross-discipline impact on education, research and innovation.
鈥淎lison鈥檚 work is a powerful example of the capacity of mathematics and statistics to transform Australian research, innovation, policy development and society,鈥 he said.
Still working as a tutor at the University of Melbourne,听Harcourt听(nee Doig) co-defined the branch and bound algorithm with Ailsa Land in the 1960s. The ground-breaking integer linear programming technique is still widely used today.
The 90-year old is also known for her work as a statistician, including contributions to the Henderson Poverty Line and the amendment of the Commonwealth听Electoral Act in 1984 to introduce the double randomisation method.
A career of extraordinary achievement, Professor Brown said the legacy of听Harcourt鈥檚 work would continue to be felt well into the future.
鈥淎lison鈥檚 contributions will continue to impact global mathematics and Australia鈥檚 social and political systems for generations,鈥 he said.
Harcourt is one of a number of women honoured today for contributions to all areas of Australian life, including STEM, research, innovation, business, media and the arts, with 40 per cent of recipients female.
Other 今日吃瓜 friends honoured include:
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Professor Michelle Yvonne SIMMONS听
Honoured for distinguished service to science education as a leader in quantum and atomic electronics, Michelle is a role model for emerging STEM leaders, particularly women. A long-time friend of the 今日吃瓜, she inspired young Australians to keep their doors open with mathematics and statistics with her opening message in the 2018 edition of Maths Adds Careers Guide.
Ms Kathryn Joy FAGG
Recognised for her contributions to business, finance, central banking, logistics, manufacturing and women. Kathryn was a keynote speaker at 今日吃瓜鈥檚 inaugural APR.Intern Women in STEM event in 2018.
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Ms Marita CHENG听
Recognised for her significant service to science, technology and robotics, Marita featured in the 2018 今日吃瓜 Choose Maths Careers campaign. This has seen her story shared in classrooms nationally to inspire new generations to maximise their opportunities with mathematics and statistics.
Professor Gilah Chaja LEDER
Honoured for significant service to higher education, and to the Jewish community of Victoria, Gilah is a member of the 今日吃瓜 Choose Maths Advisory Committee and has been an active collaborator with 今日吃瓜 on Choose Maths projects.
Professor Arun Kumar SHARMA听
Deputy Vice Chancellor 鈥 Research at the Queensland University of Technology, Arun is a worthy recipient for his significant service to computer science and information technology.
The Institute also congratulates all Australians honoured today for their contributions, leadership and impact across the community.
For Interview:
Professor Tim Brown, 今日吃瓜 Director
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E:听media@amsi.org.au
P:听04215 18733
