The Norton Jackson Material Science and Engineering Medal
The Norton Jackson Material Science and Engineering Medal is a fitting tribute to a man who has made a distinguished contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the mining industry.
The University is honoured that
the late Norton Jackson's association with the university will continue through the Norton Jackson Material Science and
Engineering Medal, established in 2011.
Read the University's tribute to Norton Jackson
This medal, reflecting Norton's passion and achievements, recognises the achievements of graduates of the Ian Wark Research Institute (The Wark™), and is awarded annually to the PhD graduate or graduand who has demonstrated the most potential or real application of research in industry.
Nomination for the medal is by the principal supervisor or associate supervisor(s), with the submission of a 1-2 page summary of the student's research in relation to the criteria.
The Norton Jackson Material Science and Engineering Medal will be awarded with a minimum cash prize of $5,000.
Dr Norton Jackson AM (1919 - 2012)
An alumnus of one of the University of South Australia's founding institutions, the School of Mines and
Industries, Norton Jackson was also a Member of University Council from 1995 until 1998
and a Member of the University's Development Board for several years.
Norton Jackson held Diplomas in Applied Science and Mining and a Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgy and was awarded the Klug Medal for the 'top metallurgist of the year' in his final year of undergraduate engineering. He also held a Master of Engineering from the University of Melbourne. Norton was made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 1981, a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the mining industry in 1987 and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001.
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute awarded Norton the prestigious RK Murphy Medal in 2010 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to industrial chemistry, mining and metallurgy in Australia, and for inspirational mentorship bestowed upon young chemists and chemical engineers.
Following his 'retirement' in 1983, Norton accepted positions as Director of Aberfoyle Ltd, Poseidon Ltd (later Normandy Mining), Commercial Minerals, Adelaide Wallaroo Fertilizers and Luminis Ltd. He held these responsibilities until 1991 when he turned 70 (many of these companies had by-laws in their corporate charters about the age limit of Directors). During his time with Poseidon, the company increased in value from $80 million to $800 million.
From 1991, Norton became a strong supporter of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and held Directorships with companies less concerned about age. He was a Director of SX Holdings for five years, Chairman of Norminco Ltd for three years, Executive Director of Muswellbrook Coal and Energy for two years, Director of Centrex Metals Limited for two years and Director of Australasia Gold Ltd for 3 years.
For his services to the mining industry, to South Australia and to the University, Norton was made a Fellow of UniSA in 1999 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2006.
Read more... (PDF 161kb - download Adobe Acrobat)
Inaugural winner - 2011
Dr Karyn Jarvis
Karyn has had a long association with UniSA and the Ian Wark Research Institute,
completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Chemistry and Chemical Process Technology)
in 2005, Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in 2006 and a PhD in
Applied Science (Minerals and Materials) in 2010. Her PhD
project, under the supervision of Professor Clive Prestidge and Dr Tim
Barnes, was entitled "Optimising the interfacial properties of porous silicon for
effective control of molecular and biomolecular interactions" .
Karyn now works at the Mawson Institute, UniSA. She is involved in a Premier's Science and Research Fund project and is investigating the use of plasma polymer modified low cost adsorbents for water treatment.
Karyn feels extremely proud to be the inaugural winner of the Norton Jackson Material Science and Engineering medal and is grateful to the donors who have supported the medal.
How to donate
To make a gift to the Norton Jackson Medal Fund, please print the donation form (PDF 61kb - download Adobe Acrobat) and send to:
University of South Australia (Foundation)
GPO Box 2471
Adelaide, South Australia 5001
You can also make your donation by phoning +61 (8) 8302 0972 with your credit card details.
Donor honour board
The University of South Australia would like to acknowledge those who have generously donated to the Norton Jackson Medal Fund:
| Dr Norton Jackson | Ms Yvonne Martin-Clark | Centrex Metals Ltd |
| Australia New Zealand Resources | Dr David Klingberg AO | Dr Ian Gould |
| Mr Ant & Mrs Mary Lou Simpson | Lincoln Minerals Ltd | Dr Ian J Duncan |
| Professor Robin Batterham | Dr John Zillman AO | Dr John Floyd |
| Dr Ian & Mrs Diana Chessell | Energy Exploration Ltd | Mr John B Roberts |
| R&M Champion de Crespigny Foundation |
Professor Douglas Coster | Mr Derek Carter |
In memoriam gifts
| University of South Australia | Centrex Metals Ltd |
Thank you also to those who wish to remain anonymous.
Ian Wark Research Institute (The Wark™)
At the University of South Australia the Ian Wark Research Institute is the Australian Research Council Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces. Named in recognition of eminent Australian scientist, Sir Ian William Wark, The Wark™ has a prized international reputation for solving complex industrial problems through the application of excellent science and technology.