Olympic torch designer named Hero of Australian Science
Wednesday, 31 March 1999
One of the key designers behind the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch - Professor Sam Luxton from the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ - has been named as one of six Australian "Heroes of Science" at an annual awards ceremony in Melbourne.
Professor Luxton, from the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, has led a distinguished career in mechanical engineering and its application to environmental problems.
He was honoured with a Clunies Ross National Science & Technology Award in Melbourne last night.
The awards are in memory of Sir Ian Clunies Ross, who dedicated his life to the advancement and communication of science and technology. Each of the recipients is recognised for "their outstanding commitment and contribution to the application of science and technology in Australia and for inspirational leadership of future scientists".
Over his many years at the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ, Professor Luxton has created a research team which is highly regarded by industry collaborators for its ability to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real industrial solutions.
Following the oil crisis of the 1970s, Professor Luxton overcame problems in converting industrial furnaces from oil to natural gas through his invention of the Precessing Jet Burner.
His team then set about the creation of more efficient and effective air conditioning technologies; a new ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ-based company, Dadanco, now markets these technologies in Australia and overseas.
Professor Luxton has advised government on energy research since the mid 1970s and contributed to engineering through the Institutio