Radio National presenter, Dr Norman Swan, has been awarded an Academy Medal by the Council of the Academy of Science in Canberra.
The Academy Medal recognises outstanding contributions to science by someone outside the Academy’s Fellowship who has, by sustained efforts in the public domain, significantly advanced the cause of science and technology in Australia or made a substantial contribution to the Academy.
The award has been presented to Dr Swan during the Academy’s formal dinner at the Great Hall of Parliament House. The dinner has also celebrated the Academy’s 50th anniversary, with Prime Minister Howard giving the keynote address.
In making the presentation, Academy President, Dr Jim Peacock, said: “Norman Swan has made substantial contributions to the cause of science and technology in Australia through his wide broadcasting experience, through the ‘Health Report’ and ‘Life Matters’ on Radio National, and as host of ‘Health Dimensions’ on ABC TV.”
Dr Swan’s career has been highlighted by a desire to keep the public informed of health developments as they happen. He has combined his medical expertise with investigative reporting, clear analysis and the knowledge to report the latest research in health and medicine. He was one of the first medically qualified journalists in Australia.
Born in Scotland, Dr Swan graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen and later obtained his postgraduate qualifications in Paediatrics in the UK.
Joining the ABC in 1982, he has won numerous awards: Australian Radio Producer of the Year in 1984; a Gold Citation in the United Nations’ Media Peace Prizes for his radio work; three Walkley national awards for journalism; and, in 1989, Australia’s top prize for Science Journalism – the Michael Daly Award.
A famous example of Dr Swan’s work is his much publicised and controversial investigative program on Dr William McBride. The program earned Dr Swan the 1988 Australian Writers’ Guild Award for best documentary and a Gold Walkley.
In addition to the ‘Health Report’, Dr Swan appears every Monday morning on Sally Loane’s program on 702 ABC Sydney and presents the popular ‘Health Minutes’ on ABC NewsRadio each week. His new book, ‘Health Minutes’ will be released today.