2001
Honorary award citation
A world-renowned scientist will receive an honorary degree from The University of Queensland at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, August 22.
Dr Rita Rossi Colwell will be awarded a Doctor of Science honoris causa in recognition for her distinguished career and international contribution to microbial ecology and marine biotechnology.
She will be guest speaker at the ceremony for graduands from the faculties of Biological and Chemical Sciences; Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture; Health Sciences; and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, to be held at 6pm in Mayne Hall St Lucia.
Dr Colwell has published prolifically, served on an extraordinarily large number of national and international boards and committees, and held dozens of honorary and elected positions, including 25 honorary degrees.
She has been an Honorary Professor in Microbiology at UQ since 1988 and was appointed Director of the National Science Foundation — possibly the most influential scientific position in the United States — by US President Bill Clinton in 1998.