Clinton eyes off title of Aust’s favourite scientist

Dr Fookes makes sense of what computers see

Clinton wins top award (Sunshine Coast Daily 23.08.10)

(posted 09.08.10)

One of the Sunshine Coast’s highest-achieving graduates is vying for the title of Australia’s favourite scientist.

Dr Clinton Fookes, who graduated with an OP1 from Matthew Flinders Anglican College in 1994 and was the College’s first ever Dux, has been chosen as a finalist in the People's Choice section of this year's prestigious science awards, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

Dr Fookes, who studies computer vision for surveillance and biometrics at Queensland University of Technology, is one of only six finalists chosen from hundreds of entries in the Eureka Prizes for scientific research and innovation.

Dr Fookes, whose parents live at Sippy Downs and Nambour and sister at Cooroy, was named a winner of the Young Tall Poppy award from the Australian Institute of Policy and Science last year. He has been invited to speak to Queensland Parliament next month by the state's chief scientist, Professor Peter Andrews.

“My research is about ‘making sense’ of what computers see,” Dr Fookes said.

“It is seeking ways to automatically extract and interpret important information from visual sources; including images and video.

“Research in this field could lead to new discoveries in a range of areas including human‐computer interaction, security, medical imaging and robotics.”

Dr Fookes' research includes developing biometrics which aims to uniquely identify a person using some of their physiological or behavioural traits, for example using a person’s face, iris, their gait, or even their viewing behaviour through their gaze.

He is utilising computer vision to recognise and report on objects and people and their actions to improve our security in public places.

Dr Fookes is also using computer vision to monitor the effectiveness of large-scale engineered systems, like our airports.

The People's Choice Award aims to promote science generally and inspire young budding scientists to take up a career in this field.

The winner will be announced on August 17.

Cast your vote at eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/vote before August 15. This website includes a video profile and further information about Dr Fookes’ research.

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