Hailed as the creator of new mathematics, the University of Newcastle’s Emeritus Professor George Willis has been awarded the coveted Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal by the Australian Academy of Science.
Through his invention of ‘the scale’ and its function, Professor Willis gave an entirely new insight into the unexpected structure and classification of totally disconnected locally compact groups, a previously mysterious area.
This novel approach, now known as ‘Willis Theory’, has broad implications for diverse fields of mathematics. His work has progressed understanding of symmetry and networks.
Professor Willis said he was honoured to receive the recognition, which is a career honorific for lifelong achievement.
“Although the work brings its own intrinsic satisfaction, such external recognition is gratifying and helps me to feel that I have justified the faith and encouragement shown to me by family and mentors over the years,” Professor Willis said.
Driven by curiosity and by the explanatory power of maths, Professor Willis said he was excited to contribute to its ongoing evolvement.
“Mathematics has been created by innumerable people over thousands of years. It’s exciting to make my own contribution and follow in their footsteps.
“It’s a universal language. Mathematics is a way of communicating ideas, concepts and images in your mind.
University of NewcastleDeputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Zee Upton, congratulated Professor Willis on the deserved recognition from Australia’s pre-eminent scientific body.
“Professor Willis has created a remarkable legacy of innovative academic research since joining the University in 1992,” Professor Upton said.
“His impressive research extends beyond theory and has the potential to contribute to growing industries in computer and information science.
“Our University, now in its 60th year, has a longstanding commitment to fostering and inspiring excellence in our people. We are very proud of Professor Willis and his contributions to the field of mathematics.”
Professor Willis was elected as Fellow to the Australian Academy of Science in 2014, an achievement in itself and the most senior honour a scientist can receive in Australia. He is among 22 scientists from across the country recognised today by the Academy in its annual Honorific Awards, which celebrate the achievements of leading minds and emerging scientific stars working to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, commended Professor Willis on his achievement.
“This is an outstanding recognition for Professor Willis and the University of Newcastle,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We are delighted that the Australian Academy of Science has recognised Prof Willis’ career-long dedication to pushing boundaries in the field of mathematics.”
President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Jagadish, said:
“On behalf of the Academy, I congratulate this year’s awardees who have all made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.”
Professor Willis thanked his family, mentors, colleagues and collaborators.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues at the University of Newcastle and other universities, the Australian mathematical community and my collaborators both in Australia and internationally for the parts they have played in making my research career enjoyable and productive,” Professor Willis said.
The Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal is a career award that recognises outstanding achievement by a scientist in Australia for research in mathematics or physics, in commemoration of the contribution of Sir Thomas Ranken Lyle, FRS to these fields.
The Australian Academy of Science is committed to supporting the diversity of scientific excellence and provides independent advice to government and industry.
