The awards celebrate scientists who turn precise measurement into practical results.
Australia's Chief Metrologist, Dr Victoria Coleman, congratulated the winners and finalists.
'Measurement helps us trust the products, services and research we use every day. These awards recognise the people whose work helps keep Australia safe and ready for the future,' Dr Coleman said.
'This year's winners and finalists show what good measurement can achieve. Their work builds the skills, trust and ideas Australia needs to solve real problems.'
2026 Measurement Awards winners
The awards recognised 4 winners across long-term contribution, early to mid-career achievement, real-world impact and people's choice.
- Professor Julio Soria from Monash University received the 2026 Barry Inglis Medal for Sustained Contribution to Australian Metrology.
- Dr Ajit Dash from Diraq Pty Ltd and the University of New South Wales received the Measurement Achievement Encouragement Award for early to mid-career achievements.
- Mr Glenn Ross from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water received the 2026 NMI Measurement Impact Award for measurement-related achievements.
- Dr Ajit Dash also received the People's Choice Award.
Professor Julio Soria
Seeing the invisible forces in air and fluids
Professor Julio Soria from Monash University received the 2026 Barry Inglis Medal for Sustained Contribution to Australian Metrology.
For more than 30 years, Professor Soria has helped researchers see forces that are usually invisible. His work has improved how scientists measure complex fluid flows. These include air moving over aircraft wings, turbulence in engines and movement in energy systems.
His techniques give researchers a clearer and more accurate view of how fluids move. They support new discoveries and help solve difficult engineering problems. Scientists and engineers around the world now use methods developed through his research.
Professor Soria has also helped researchers record fast-moving, three-dimensional flows in greater detail. These advances support work in aerospace, energy, transport and advanced manufacturing.
At Monash University and the Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerospace and Combustion, Professor Soria has helped build Australia's reputation in advanced flow measurement.
His research has improved technology, reduced emissions, cut noise and strengthened engineering design. Its benefits reach well beyond the laboratory.
The Barry Inglis Medal recognises long-term achievement in measurement science. Professor Soria's career shows a lasting commitment to innovation, scientific excellence and Australia's measurement capability.
Dr Ajit Dash
Making quantum measurement practical
Dr Ajit Dash from Diraq Pty Ltd and the University of New South Wales received the Measurement Achievement Encouragement Award for Early to Mid-career Achievements.
Dr Dash is helping improve how the world measures electric current. His research could make this important measurement more practical and easier to use.
He worked with researchers and industry partners from the University of New South Wales, the National Measurement Institute, Diraq Pty Ltd and GlobalFoundries. Together, they are helping to develop a new quantum standard for electric current using commercial semiconductor technology. The work supports a practical way to realise the ampere, the international base unit for electric current.
The research brings accurate electrical measurement closer to everyday use. It could move the technology from specialist laboratories into systems manufacturers can make at scale.
The team achieved several world firsts. They generated quantum electrical current in a commercial semiconductor device. They also showed the device can work accurately with simpler, lower-cost equipment. These advances make quantum measurement technology easier to apply.
The new standard could support advanced manufacturing, medical technology, environmental monitoring and space research. These fields all need precise electrical measurements.
Dr Dash connects quantum science with real-world chip manufacturing. His work helps position Australia as a leader in quantum technology and supports future standards built into electronic devices.
Mr Glenn Ross
Supporting cleaner air through trusted ozone data
Glenn Ross from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water received the 2026 NMI Measurement Impact Award for measurement-related achievements.
Environmental scientist Glenn Ross has worked in air quality monitoring for more than 30 years. He manages Australia's only standard reference photometer, which helps make sure ozone measurements are accurate and can be compared with measurements from other countries.
The Climate and Atmospheric Science Branch of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has monitored ground-level ozone across New South Wales for more than 50 years. Its data helps governments reduce ozone pollution and improve air quality.
The branch led early ozone measurement work in Australia. In the 1980s, it developed equipment to check ozone measuring instruments over a set distance. It also manages Australia's only reference photometer for ground-level ozone. This equipment links Australian ozone measurements to global standards.
It also checks ozone measuring equipment for organisations across Australia. In 2025, the National Measurement Institute recognised the branch as the holder of Australia's national standards for ground-level ozone measurement.
The award recognises Mr Ross' work in trusted ozone measurement. It also recognises the branch's role in cleaner air and better environmental decisions.
Dr Ajit Dash
Dr Ajit Dash also won the People's Choice Award.
The People's Choice Award recognised the finalist whose work most captured the audience's interest during the ceremony.
