Professor Kerry Walsh is to receive the prestigious Tony Blakeney Award for 2022 from the Australian Near Infrared Spectroscopy Group (ANISG). Kerry has been a pioneer in the development and application of NIR spectroscopy. As an academic he has shown leadership in teaching and mentoring students at undergraduate and post graduate levels and productive collaboration with Australian and international scientists. His research is wide ranging and cutting edge and includes contributions to the understanding of the basic principles relating to NIR spectroscopy. Of equal importance, are his contributions to rural industries by pioneering the introduction of NIR spectroscopy in the horticultural areas of Australia.
The benefits of Kerry’s work have international impact through contributions at major international conferences and international aid programs. In his own words, “I believe that my R&D effort should result in a gain to society…”. A current research project led by Kerry is “Feasibility and commercial viability of voluntary carbon standards and methods for farmers” indicates that Kerry tackles current issues.
Kerry’s leadership and many contributions to students, colleagues and fellow scientists and his ability to apply his scientific knowledge to the good of rural industries and food security are attributes which align very closely with those of the late Tony Blakeney whom this award honours.
Editor's Note: Whilst pure research is important and fascinating, I really like to see spectroscopy applied to solve practical problems. Kerry Walsh appears in the video below, which describes the use of NIR spectroscopy to determine the optimum time to harvest mangoes. This is being used now in the Australian mango industry.
