3 PIOs awarded Australia’s highest civilian award

Three persons of Indian-origin (PIO) have been awarded 2016 Medal of the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest civilian honour.
They have been selected for their contribution in the fields of physics, engineering and medicine. Announcement in this regard was made on the Australia Day i.e. 26th January 2016.
Three PIOs are

• Chennupati Jagadish: He has been conferred with the award for his eminent service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology.
• He is an eminent professor at Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. He works on semiconductor optoelectronics and nanotechnology
• Jay Chandra: He has been conferred with the award for hi significant service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology and eye care programs.
• Presently, he is an eye doctor in New South Wales. He is head of vitreo-retinal surgery at the Westmead Hospital since 1985.
• Sajeev Koshy: He is a dentist in Melbourne and has been conferred with the award for his service to dentistry in the State.

About Medal of the Order of Australia

• It is an order of chivalry established by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 14 February 1975. Prior to it, Australian citizens would receive British honours
• It is Australia’s highest civilian honour awarded conferred on Australian citizens and other persons for meritorious service or achievement.