The ground-breaking work of Flinders University biomedical engineer, Professor Karen Reynolds, has been recognised with the award of South Australian Scientist of the Year for 2012.

The Director of the Medical Device Partnering Program at Flinders, Professor Reynolds has been a leading force behind the design and development of a range of innovative medical technologies, including surgery simulators and other assistive devices, in collaboration with clinicians, industry and government.

Professor Reynolds said she was “blown away” by the Award which was “recognition that I’m doing something that is meaningful which, to me, is very important”.

“Biomedical engineering is a niche field of engineering but it’s a very important area for South Australia, particularly for the future growth of the medical device industry. Whatever recognition we get, whether it is through me winning an award or whatever it might be, it is always going to raise the profile of this work,” Professor Reynolds said.

Professor Reynolds was presented with the prestigious award, an initiative of the State Government, by Lieutenant Governor Mr Hieu Van Le at a gala dinner on Friday night. Receiving South Australia’s premier award for science capped a very successful night for Flinders University’s scientists. Dr Cameron Shearer received the award for PhD Research Excellence in Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering for his work in the field of nanotechnology and Dr Rachel Popelka-Filcoff was named SA Early Career Researcher – SA Tall Poppy of the Year in recognition of her achievements as an early career researcher in analyzing ochre to gain insights into Indigenous culture.

Flinders Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barber, applauded the success of all of the Flinders’ finalists in the Science Excellence Awards which also included Professor John Miners (SA Scientist of the Year category), Dr Paul Gardner-Stephen (Early Career Professional category, and Tall Poppy Award finalist) and Mr David Hobbs and Dr Simon Williams (Early Career Educator category).

“The SA Science Excellence Awards recognize the highest achievements in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). At a time when expertise in these fields is required more than ever for the future success of our economy and society, it is hoped these awards inspire students to enroll in STEM subjects and go on to find the same excitement and reward in their careers as our successful finalists,” Professor Barber said.