Queen’s birthday “gongs” for Deakin leaders

Two leading lights in establishing Deakin University’s reputation as leader in scientific and engineering research have been made Members (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Emeritus Professor Lawrie Baker is the former head of the School of Engineering.

Professor David Stokes recently stepped aside as DVC (Research) at Deakin after a distinguished time not only in that role but as a Dean.

Professor Baker was head of school at the time Alfred Deakin Professors Peter Hodgson, Xungai Wang and Saeid Nahavandi were appointed to the University.

Professor Stokes was also a key player in their recruitment and development.

These three have now become the backbone of research within Deakin University’s new Institute for Technology Research Innovation.

Emeritus Professor Baker also focussed on giving research at Deakin an international flavour, working closely with Malaysia, Thailand and Iran.

In the 1990’s Emeritus Professor Baker and Professor Stokes formed a formidable partnership as they sought to improve Deakin’s profile as a research institution.

More recently, Professor Stokes continued that work as DVC (Research), achieving a number of important milestones, including helping the University win the B-HERT award in 2008.

“I want to congratulate Lawrie and David on their achievement,” said Associate Professor Bas Baskaran, the Interim Head of the School of Engineering.

Read The Geelong Advertiser’s coverage of Emeritus Professor Baker’s award:
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/06/08/76451_news.html

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