Adelaide University Professor Graham Heinson and Honorary Professor Zaiping Guo have been recognised for their achievements at the Australian Academy of Science Honorific Awards 2026.
Professor Heinson from the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, received the Haddon Forrester King Medal for his lifelong achievement and outstanding contribution to science.
Professor Heinson’s pioneering work is considered to have transformed magnetotelluric (MT) methods from academic tools into powerful instruments for exploring mineral, energy, and water resources.
For more than 25 years he has led major innovations in geophysical research and infrastructure, including the development of national MT capabilities and the landmark AusLAMP project.
His collaborations with industry and government have advanced resource discovery, environmental monitoring, and hydrogen exploration.
A passionate educator and mentor, Professor Heinson has supervised dozens of postgraduate students, initiated transformative training program the National Exploration Undercover School (NExUS) and mentored students in the globally recognised Next Generation Explorers Award.
His career is marked by visionary leadership, practical innovation, and an enduring commitment to student development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Professor Heinson has redefined the role of MT in Australia and inspired a generation of geoscientists through education, outreach, and groundbreaking research.
Professor Guo, who is now Chair Professor at City University of Hong Kong, was awarded the Ruby Payne-Scott Medal and Lecture, recognising her as a researcher of the highest standing in the physical and/or biological sciences.
Professor Guo has an exceptional track record in energy storage and conversion research. Her work focusses on identifying the physical and chemical properties of functional materials that can be employed to improve the performance of energy storage devices, particularly batteries.
Professor Guo has innovatively applied the findings from her in-depth mechanistic studies to resolve significant issues of electrodes in existing battery systems.
She has also developed a series of novel battery materials and energy storage systems to meet continual need for cheaper and clean energy. Her transformative research offers enormous potential for future green energy applications that will reduce greenhouse effects and facilitate a sustainable world.
Adelaide University Professor Anton Middelberg FTSE FNAI, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation congratulated Professor Heinson and Professor Guo on their achievements.
“These honours from the Australian Academy of Science are very well-earned recognitions for Professor Heinson and Professor Guo who are leaders in their fields,” he said.
“A pillar of Adelaide University’s sustainable green transition signature research theme is industrial systems and the role researcher plays in the future energy transition.
“Professor Heinson’s long-standing efforts in sustainable minerals, resource discovery and monitoring, and Professor Guo’s work developing innovative energy storage devices will help both the University and broader community reach new standards and ideas.”
President of the Academy Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC said the awards recognise scientists whose work delivers tangible benefits to society.
“Each of the researchers recognised represents the very best of Australian science, through the depth, rigour and impact of their work,” he said.