Bryan Gaensler
1999 Award

Astronomer

Bryan Gaensler graduated from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Physics. His final mark of 100%, the highest in the Faculty of Science, saw him awarded the University Medal in Physics. As part of his PhD research, Bryan set out to understand why the remnants from exploding stars form particular patterns rather than just scatter off in random directions. He surprised the astronomical world by showing that these remnants all line up with the Galaxy's magnetic field like giant compasses. After submitting his doctoral thesis, Bryan became the second Australian to be awarded a prestigious Hubble Fellowship. This program is sponsored by NASA and provides a three-year research grant at any university or research institution in the United States.

Bryan has chosen to take up his fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, where he will continue to work on the remains of exploding stars. In addition to his studies Bryan is an avid fan of rugby league and cricket, and plays touch football, tenpin bowling, squash and ice-hockey. He is also a keen photographer and musician and is interested in dramatic theatre, languages and 19th/20th century art.

Bryan has been actively involved in various community groups including the Australian Institute of Physics, Sydney's Jewish Museum and Sydney Observatory. The international astronomy community already considers Bryan to be an expert in his field. He has given many presentations at international conferences and his achievements are highly recognised. To have achieved this level of excellence in such a complex and difficult field illustrates excellence of the highest order. Bryan Gaensler is an outstanding young Australian, through his work Australia will be at the forefront of scientific discoveries for many years to come.