The University of Newcastle, Australia

Two world leaders in their fields of electrical engineering and health behaviour, with a combined 61 years service to the University of Newcastle, have been awarded the University's highest honour - the title of Laureate Professor.

Graham Goodwin - named one of Australia's 100 most influential engineers - is a Professor of electrical engineering. He leads the University's Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence and Priority Research Centre for Complex Dynamic Systems and Control.

Rob Sanson-Fisher is a Professor of health behaviour. His career has focused on public health, particularly behavioural science; he has pioneered research into the psycho-social impact of cancer; and he has been instrumental in keeping a focus on Indigenous health issues at the University of Newcastle in both research, and teaching and learning.

The University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said both Professors held outstanding international reputations for high impact, high quality research.

"The title of Laureate Professor is the most prestigious recognition our university can bestow on our researchers," he said.

"Our appointment panel comprised senior University representatives and internationally-recognised external Professors to assess the candidates through a rigorous review process."

Professors Goodwin and Sanson-Fisher said they were deeply honoured to receive such a high accolade.

"This is the best job in the world - I love what I do and the people I work with," Professor Goodwin said.

"A key reason this title is so special and significant to me is because it has been bestowed on me by my peers."

Professor Sanson-Fisher said he had received strong support from the University for his research and was privileged to receive the esteemed title.

"I have been with the University for almost three decades and seen enormous growth in the field of medicine," Professor Sanson-Fisher said.

"I am honoured to be associated with the School of Medicine and Public Health - one of the best in the world - and the talented people I work with."

Professors Goodwin and Sanson-Fisher are only the third and fourth Laureate Professors to be named by the University of Newcastle. Professors Graeme Jameson and John Aitken were named Laureate Professors in 2005.

For pictures and interviews: Thursday 28 February from 9am - midday.

Contact Katie Porritt in Media and Public Relations.