Celebrating Excellence: Dr Peter Stepien Receives Prestigious M A Sargent Medal
The University of Newcastle proudly celebrates the achievement of Dr Peter Stepien, Principal Engineer at ResTech and Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering, who received the M A Sargent Medal - the highest honour awarded by the Electrical College of Engineers Australia.
Engineers Australia presented the award at the 2025 Excellence Awards Dinner, hosted by its Newcastle Division on Wednesday, 17 September.
The M A Sargent Medal recognises electrical engineers who have made profoundly significant contributions to the profession. Dr Stepien’s work in advancing electrical engineering research and industry collaboration exemplifies the calibre of excellence the medal represents.
Engineers Australia first awarded the M A Sargent Medal in 1989. Most recipients have come from universities, CSIRO, or the Defence Science and Technology Group. Since 2008, only two recipients have come from outside public or government institutions. In 2021, Dr Ian Webster, Group Engineering Manager at Ampcontrol and Adjunct Professor of Practice at the University of Newcastle, received the medal. Dr Stepien now joins him, further strengthening the connection between Ampcontrol, ResTech, and the University. This achievement reinforces the long-standing relationship between the University of Newcastle and ResTech.
The University’s legacy with the M A Sargent Medal reflects a long-standing tradition of excellence in electrical engineering. Over the years, five recipients have held formal academic roles at the University of Newcastle:
- Emeritus Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin (1990), University of Newcastle
- Emeritus Professor Rick Middleton (2004), University of Newcastle
- Professor Alex Zelinsky AO (2015), Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Newcastle
- Dr Ian Webster (2021), Ampcontrol and University of Newcastle
- Dr Peter Stepien (2025), ResTech and University of Newcastle
In addition, Professor Ian Hiskens, now Vennema Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, completed his PhD at the University of Newcastle before receiving the medal in 2020.
This recognition not only honours Dr Stepien’s individual achievements but also reinforces the University’s reputation as a national leader in engineering education, research, and innovation. With five recipients directly affiliated with the University and a sixth having completed his doctoral studies here, the University of Newcastle continues to shape the future of electrical engineering in Australia.
Dr Stepien’s award also highlights the strength of our partnerships with industry, particularly with ResTech and Ampcontrol, and reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration that drives real-world impact.
We congratulate Dr Stepien on this outstanding achievement and celebrate the legacy of excellence that continues to define electrical engineering at the University of Newcastle.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.