On this webpage, we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and legacies of our Fellows and Honorary Fellows. Their work serves as a constant reminder of the vital role played by the Australasian Radiation Protection Society in ensuring radiation safety and fostering collaboration within the radiation protection community.
Fellows
Our Fellows are distinguished members of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society who have exhibited exemplary leadership, expertise, and commitment to the field of radiation protection. Through their remarkable contributions, they have significantly influenced the practice, research, and education surrounding radiation protection in Australasia.
Honorary FellowsHonorary Fellows hold a special place in the Australasian Radiation Protection Society, as they have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of radiation protection beyond the Australasian region. These esteemed individuals have made significant impacts on a global scale through their exceptional leadership, research, and advocacy. Honours & Recognition
More details will be published soon. Honours & Recognition
Andrew Johnston served as a radiation protection officer with the South Australian Government’s Radiation Protection Branch for over 30 years, from 1979 to mid-2011. His career focused on the regulation of uranium mines, mineral sands mining operations, and environmental radiation issues. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the surveillance and remediation of legacy sites such as Maralinga, Radium Hill uranium mine, and the Port Pirie uranium treatment plant. During his tenure with the EPA, Andrew served as Team Leader of the Mining and Environment Group, overseeing radiation licensing for significant projects. His work included assessing environmental impact statements, approving radiation management plans, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Post-EPA, Andrew continued his work in radiation protection, contributing to ARPANSA and IAEA documents on a range of topics. His expertise as a regulator and consultant to uranium and mineral sands operations has positioned him as one of Australia’s most experienced experts in this field. Honours & Recognition
We proudly acknowledge the exemplary career and substantial contributions of Professor Collins to the diverse fields of ionising and non-ionising radiation. Professor Collins has authored nearly 100 publications spanning ultrasound, radiology, mammography, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and radiation protection. He has held Associate Professor appointments in medical and medical radiation disciplines at Australian universities, with a long-standing commitment to teaching and professional development. Beyond academia, Professor Collins has played a significant role in safety standards development through Standards Australia and the International Electrotechnical Commission, particularly in laser and optical safety. His international impact includes extensive work with the IAEA, supporting training and safety initiatives through numerous overseas missions. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Professor Collins was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to medical physics, safety standards development, radiation safety training, and professional organisations. Honours & Recognition
We recognise the distinguished career and contributions of Professor Smart to radiation regulation and education. Born in Bristol, England, he completed undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in the early 1970s, including a PhD in 1976. After moving to Australia in 1976, he commenced work in nuclear medicine at St George Hospital in Sydney, laying the foundation for a career spanning clinical practice, regulation, and education. Professor Smart served for 18 years on the NSW Radiation Advisory Council and was a member of the inaugural Australian Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (1999–2008). He also contributed to drafting numerous ARPANSA medical codes and supported IAEA training across Asia. He also served as an Expert Group member for UNSCEAR, contributing to the 2020/21 report on medical exposure to ionising radiation. Honours & Recognition
We acknowledge the significant contributions of Dr. McEwan to radiation protection and dosimetry. He completed a BSc (Hons) at the University of Canterbury in 1963 and a PhD in Medical Physics at Cambridge University in 1969, later completing a Diploma in Health Administration in 1982. Dr. McEwan served for nearly four decades at New Zealand’s National Radiation Laboratory, including 13 years as Director from 1984. He also served on the Radiation Protection Advisory Council (1984–2002) and participated in the South Pacific Scientific Mission to Mururoa Atoll in 1983. From 1997 to 2004, he served on a standing committee of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, contributing to international best practice in radiation protection. A long-standing ARPS member and past President (2000–2002), Dr. McEwan is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and author of “Nuclear New Zealand”. Honours & Recognition
We recognise the distinguished career and contributions of Professor Sykes to radiation protection and low-dose radiobiology. She completed a PhD in somatic cell genetics at the University of Adelaide and undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Oklahoma in bacterial gene cloning. Returning to Australia, she worked at Flinders University on research spanning residual disease in childhood leukaemia, digital PCR, and biological responses to extremely low doses of ionising radiation. From 2000 to 2013, she led the only Australian laboratory funded by the US Department of Energy Low Dose Program, supporting international collaborations in adaptive response, genomic instability, and bystander effects. Professor Sykes is a founding Fellow of the Faculty of Science in the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia and has contributed to AINSE and ARPANSA committees over many years, including long-term service on the South Australian Radiation Protection Committee. She and her students have been frequent and valued contributors to ARPS Annual Meetings, reflecting her ongoing commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the radiation protection community. Honours & Recognition
Jill Fitch PSM made outstanding contributions to radiation protection through a career spanning medical physics, regulation, and national and international advisory work. She completed a BSc at the University of Sydney in 1957 and later a Masters in Radiation Biology and Radiation Physics at the University of London in 1963. Jill worked as a medical physicist in hospitals across Australia, the UK, and the USA before returning to Australia in 1977 as Senior Health Physicist in the Radiation Control Section of the South Australian Health Commission. Her leadership included serving as President of ARPS (1984–1986) and as an Executive Council Member of the International Radiation Protection Association (1988–1996). She was also a Commissioner on the Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia (1984–1985), contributing to the clean-up of radioactive contamination at Maralinga. Jill represented South Australia and Australia on numerous committees, including the Commonwealth Radiation Health Committee and ARPANSA advisory bodies, and contributed internationally through IAEA missions in Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand. In recognition of her public service, she was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2003. Jill retired in 2004 as Director of the Radiation Protection Division, Environment Protection Authority, leaving a lasting legacy in Australian radiation protection. Life MemberLife Members of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) hold a distinguished position within the organization, recognizing their exceptional contributions and valuable service to ARPS and the field of radiation protection over a significant period of time. Life membership is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing the goals and objectives of ARPS and have made lasting impacts on the profession. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Higson for his remarkable career and lasting contributions to the fields of nuclear safety and engineering. Dr. Higson's journey, born in England, is distinguished by his academic achievements, professional expertise, and dedicated service to the global nuclear community. Dr. Higson earned his degree and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Imperial College, London, laying the foundation for a career marked by excellence. In 1964, he joined the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, where he specialized in nuclear reactor safety assessment. His contributions extended internationally as a consultant to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he played a vital role in nuclear safety and safeguards. A true trailblazer, Dr. Higson founded the ARPS Newsletter in 1995, serving as its dedicated editor. This initiative has been a cornerstone of information exchange within the Australian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS), showcasing his commitment to fostering communication and collaboration. Dr. Higson's association with ARPS is marked by his distinction as a Fellow and Life Member. His contributions further extend to the Institution of Engineers Australia, where he holds the esteemed title of Fellow and Life Member. Additionally, he serves as the Secretary of the Nuclear Engineering Panel and is a Member of the International Nuclear Energy Academy, embodying his commitment to advancing nuclear engineering on a global scale. As Dr. Higson reflects on his illustrious career, he now passes the role of ARPS Newsletter editor, a position he has held with dedication since its inception, acknowledging the importance of continuity and passing the torch to the next generation. Today, we celebrate Dr. Higson's enduring legacy, characterized by his exceptional contributions to nuclear safety, engineering, and knowledge dissemination. His impact resonates within ARPS and the broader international nuclear community. Dr Rosen began his career in Wellington, where he earned a MSc degree in physics from the University of New Zealand. Following four years at the National Radiation Laboratory in Christchurch, he relocated to the University of New South Wales in Sydney, and became its first radiation protection officer. In addition to those duties, he undertook a detailed study of a nuclear reactor safety device, for which he was awarded a PhD degree. Subsequently he was appointed a senior lecturer in the School of Safety Science, where he taught the principles of radiation protection to many students, including attendants at the Australian School of Nuclear Technology. Dr Rosen played a pivotal role in the 1975 establishment of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society ( ARPS), serving as its founding President. He was a member of the Executive Committee for several years and convened some national conferences. He became an accredited Fellow of ARPS. In 1984 he was appointed as the Vice President for Congress Affairs in the International Radiation Protection Association, leading an Australian team in hosting its 7th International Congress in Sydney in 1988. That significant event coincided with the Australian Bicentennial Year and the 60th anniversary of the formation of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. During his career, Dr Rosen represented Australian and New Zealand radiation protection interests both domestically and internationally. He served for nine years as a member of the NSW Radiological Advisory Council, and was the Advisor on radiation protection to the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry. He assisted in the preparation of codes of safe practice and the establishment of professional competency standards. His overall contributions were acknowledged in 1996 when he was bestowed Life Membership of ARPS. Following his retirement, he continued to take an interest in ARPS affairs. In 2012 Dr Rosen was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to science, particularly in the field of radiation protection, and to professional organizations. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. Victor (Vic) has over 50 years’ experience as a radiation health physicist and atmospheric scientist, working across both the private sector (including uranium and coal mining) and the public sector. His public service includes roles with the Australian Radiation Laboratory (now ARPANSA) and State Health Departments in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Vic was present at the inaugural formation of ARPS in 1975 and has been a long-standing contributor to the Society. He has served as a past Treasurer and has been involved in the organisation of ARPS conferences in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Darwin. Throughout his career, Vic worked extensively on occupational and environmental radiation issues across both mining and non-mining projects, contributing at the planning, approval, and operational stages. Prior to retirement, he was the University Radiation Protection Advisor at both Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the University of Queensland (UQ), including assisting with radiation health approvals for the UQ 18 MeV cyclotron. In recent years, Vic has focused on non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMF-RF) and the development of appropriate standards. He is a strong advocate for the precautionary principle, particularly regarding long-term mobile phone use, and was a founding member of the Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association Inc. (ORSAA). Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of a distinguished career and significant contributions to radiation protection, health physics, and scientific leadership in Australia. Colin Duggleby began his career following the award of an Exhibition Scholarship, which enabled him to complete a Physics Honours degree at Queen Mary College, University of London, in 1958. Seeking to work in the medical field, he joined the Medical Research Council as a Research Assistant in the Medical Physics Department at Leeds University, supervised by Professor F. W. Spiers, a pioneer of hospital physics. During this time, Colin also completed his PhD. At a time when many UK science graduates were moving overseas, Colin was offered a position as a Research Scientist in the Health Physics Research Section at ANSTO, following discussions between Professor Spiers and Sir Ernest Marsden. At ANSTO, he developed an off-site radiation monitoring system for potential reactor incidents and expanded the use of imported whole-body monitoring equipment. After promotion to the Australian Radiation Laboratory (now ARPANSA), Colin led national monitoring efforts related to fallout from French nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific. In the late 1960s, he also designed and constructed Australia’s first whole-body monitor for medical research. In the mid-1970s, Colin played a key role in monitoring residual radioactive contamination at Maralinga and Emu Field, contributing to the eventual clean-up of former British nuclear test sites. In the late 1970s, following changes to the Laboratory’s work program, he transitioned from hands-on research into senior scientific administration. Colin was appointed to the Inter-Departmental Visiting Ships Panel (Nuclear), responsible for setting conditions for visits by nuclear-powered vessels and monitoring compliance. He also served as Scientific Secretary of the NHMRC Radiation Health Committee, where he initiated and oversaw the development of 39 Codes of Practice in the Radiation Health Series — a major and enduring contribution to radiation protection in Australia. He later established the Radiation Controls Implementation Panel, aimed at harmonising radiation safety legislation across Australia’s eight State and Territory jurisdictions. Although the work was complex and remained unfinished at the time of his retirement, it represented an important effort toward national consistency and regulatory efficiency. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and advancing radiation protection across Australasia. More details will be published soon. Boyce Wilson Worthley1917–1987 One of Australia's most respected hospital physicists, Boyce Worthley revolutionised treatment planning and dosimetry in Adelaide and helped establish radiation protection and monitoring services in South Australia. Dr. Donald Fyfe Robertson1914–2006 A pioneering medical and radiation physicist whose work on solar ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer, and his role in developing Queensland’s early radiation safety legislation, have had lasting benefits for public health. After the war, Ray pursued studies in science at Melbourne University, laying the foundation for a career that would span decades. His early years at the Bureau of Mineral Resources showcased his adaptability and keen awareness of the times, leading him to play a pivotal role in uranium prospecting and radiation safety during the fifties' uranium boom. In the early ’70s, Ray embarked on what would become his post-retirement career. His years of experience testing radiation treatments on humans culminated in the conviction that these treatments were safe for animals. With this newfound mission, he collaborated with veterinarians across Australia, introducing radiation treatment for animals. Remarkably, he continued this practice until his mid-eighties, leaving an indomitable legacy in veterinary medicine. Ray's commitment to ARPS was unparalleled. Serving on the Executive Committee, he held the esteemed position of ARPS President from 1982 to 1984. Notably, during his tenure, ARPS successfully secured the bid to host the seventh international congress of IRPA in Sydney in the bicentennial year of 1988. His leadership extended to the role of ARPS Registrar, where he played a crucial part in the society's foundational years. In recognition of his steadfast service, Ray was nominated as one of the first two Fellows of ARPS and served as the chairman of the Fellowship Panel. Additionally, he was elected as a Life Member, a testament to his enduring commitment to ARPS over many years. Raymond Joseph De Groot's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in radiation safety, his pioneering efforts in veterinary radiation treatment, and his unwavering dedication to ARPS. Jim's journey in the realm of radiation protection has left an enduring legacy that has significantly shaped the Australian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and the broader field. We acknowledge and celebrate his invaluable contributions. In 1963, Jim emigrated to Australia, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter in his career. He assumed the position of Head, Health and Safety Division at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC), now known as ANSTO. Jim played a pivotal role in the foundation of ARPS in 1973, holding the distinguished position of the society's first Vice President. His dedication and vision for ARPS became evident when he assumed the role of newsletter editor in May 1976. Under his guidance, the newsletter evolved into a formalized journal by January 1977, reflecting Jim's commitment to fostering the exchange of knowledge within the community. A transformative moment in ARPS's history was Jim's recommendation that the society should become an affiliate of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA). In February 1977, IRPA accepted ARPS as a member society, solidifying its international standing. Jim's leadership continued to flourish as he took on the role of ARPS President in 1977. Jim's influence extended beyond ARPS, as demonstrated by his role as the scientific secretary of the organizing committee for IRPA7 in 1988, held in Sydney. His efforts, along with the committee, led to the successful collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), jointly holding its radiation protection conference with IRPA7. In recognition of his exceptional service, Jim was honored with the first ARPS honorary membership at the 14th Annual ARPS conference held in Perth in 1989. Another significant milestone in Jim's illustrious career was his involvement in advocating for professional accreditation in Australia. He played a pivotal role in establishing the accreditation working group, which commenced its efforts at the conference in 1990. David Paix1936–2013 An ARPS Fellow remembered for his significant contributions to radiation protection and his long-standing involvement in the Australasian radiation safety community. Michael Whitfield Carterd. 2018 An ARPS Fellow whose professional work and service to the Society left a strong legacy in radiation protection practice and education. Vincent Delpizzo1946–2020 A respected member of the radiation protection community whose work, mentorship, and engagement with ARPS are fondly remembered. Roger Alsop1934–2021 A dedicated radiation protection specialist whose technical expertise and professional service helped shape best practice in the field. Bill Chandler1936–2021 Remembered for his substantial contributions to radiation protection and his active involvement in ARPS and the broader professional community. Robert Mason Fry, AM1928–2022 An influential figure in medical physics and radiation protection whose work, leadership, and service have been recognised at national and international levels. George Anastas1940–2022 An ARPS Fellow and international leader in radiation protection, remembered for his contributions to policy, practice, and the global professional community. Prof. Alun Hardwick Beddoe1945–2022 An ARPS Fellow and eminent medical physicist whose research, teaching, and professional leadership made a lasting impact on medical physics and radiation protection. Richard E. Toohey1945–2023 A globally admired health physicist and mentor whose career spanned major contributions to radiation epidemiology, dosimetry, and landmark studies including the Million Person Study. Through sustained leadership with NCRP and IRPA—and a long association with ARPS—he strengthened radiation protection practice internationally while remaining known for humility, kindness, and integrity. Lyn Oliver AM1942–2023 A highly respected medical physicist and radiographer whose decades of leadership helped shape the medical physics profession in Australia, including ACPSEM’s early development and national accreditation systems. His advocacy for stronger professional standards and radiation safety policy left a lasting impact across radiation oncology and hospital practice. We proudly acknowledge the distinguished career and outstanding contributions of Dr. Keith Lokan to the field of radiation protection. Dr. Lokan's journey is marked by unwavering dedication, significant achievements, and lasting impacts on both national and international levels. Dr. Lokan's academic journey began at the University of Adelaide, where he graduated in 1955. Subsequently, he earned his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from the Australian National University in 1959. Following early career experiences at Harwell, Melbourne and Adelaide universities, he transitioned into radiation physics. In a pivotal move, he assumed the role of head of an electron linear accelerator facility at the National Research Council of Canada, overseeing Canada's radiation measurement standards. In 1978, Dr. Lokan returned to Australia, taking the helm as the Director of the Australian Radiation Laboratory (ARL), a precursor to the present Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Until his retirement in 1998, Dr. Lokan played a crucial role in shaping Australian radiation protection standards and guidance. His leadership extended to the assessment and rehabilitation of former UK nuclear weapons test sites in Australia. Internationally, Dr. Lokan made significant contributions as a member and one-time chair of UNSCEAR. He actively participated in scientific committees of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), particularly focusing on the remediation of sites contaminated with radioactivity. Dr. Lokan's commitment to the Australian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) is evident through his Fellowship, Executive Committee membership, and presidency during the early 1990s. His contributions were further recognized with the award of the Public Service Medal in 1995 for outstanding public service in radiological protection research, development, and practice. Dr. Lokan’s legacy continues through the many people and institutions influenced by his work and leadership in radiation protection. |