As President of the Australian Academy of Science and a leading scientist of international repute Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC has set himself a target of nominating 100 people for honours within the Order of Australia. 

Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2016 for eminent service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, to education as a leading academic, researcher, author and mentor, and through executive roles with national and international scientific advisory institutions. He was been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award 2023 by the Government of India for his contribution to science, technology, and education. 

As President of the Australian Academy of Science and a leading scientist of international repute, Professor Jagadish well understands the importance of recognising contributions that individual people make to our community.   

“I remember reading the Honours lists that were published every June and January and realised that most of the people being recognised were from business, or were judges or bankers,” he says.   

“Initially, I thought, where are the scientists? So that set me off in 1999 – I set myself a goal. I wanted to reach a personal target of 100 Order of Australia nominations.”    

He is more than half-way there and has broadened his focus to also include people from community groups and, particularly women and people from culturally diverse communities.   

Professor Jagadish says that the Order of Australia plays a very unique role in our society. “It is highly regarded by the broader community. When you are recognised within your own field for your work, well that’s very nice. But if you receive an Order of Australia, everyone ‘gets it’. It is more meaningful to family, friends, and colleagues. They immediately understand what it means.”   

He says that his philosophy is to nominate people who “go beyond the call of duty”. The recognition makes people feel like their hard work and efforts have been seen by the broader community. He also likes learning that someone he has nominated has been recognised. “I think I get the same thrill as the people who receive the honour,” he laughs.   

He will keep on nominating and has widened his pool of nominees. “My view is that people who are working for the common good of the community, serving selflessly locally, or more broadly – it’s a small thing for me to do the work and nominate them so their generosity and kindness are recognised.”   

Professor Jagadish says he wants everyone to understand that they can do this, the nomination process is very straightforward through completing an online form.   

“You don’t have to be a sector leader, and anybody can nominate anyone.”   

“Please look around you and see who is serving and making the difference in the community and and nominate them. Let us surprise them!”  

Will you follow Professor Jagadish’s lead? Who will you nominate today?