Dr Andrew Piotrowski from Defence Science and Technology has been awarded the 2018 Minister’s Award for Achievement in Defence Science for developing life-saving equipment against improvised explosive devices (IED).
Dr Piotrowski has been instrumental in developing a range of counter-IED protections systems, including the award-winning Redwing devices which jam radio signals that trigger IED explosions.
More than 200,000 of the devices have been supplied to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces for protecting dismounted soldiers and vehicles.
Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne congratulated Dr Piotrowski, saying his innovative work saved the lives of countless Australian and Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“For over 20 years, Dr Piotrowski has contributed to the design, development, manufacture and insertion of force protection systems into operational theatres when no such countermeasures existed,” Minister Pyne said.
“Dr Piotrowski’s efforts have also contributed to the security of major events, including the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2006 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and the G20 summit in 2014.
“The systems he has developed have earned approximately $85 million from export sales and increased revenue and employment opportunities for the Australian businesses involved in the supply chain."
The Minister's Award for Achievement in Defence Science is awarded annually to recognise original and outstanding contributions capable of enhancing Australia's defence effectiveness and efficiency.
“Dr Piotrowski is a highly deserving recipient of the award,” Minister Pyne said.