Flinders groundwater hydrologist Associate Professor Andy Love (pictured) has been named the 2013 Unsung Hero of South Australian Science.

The award was presented at last week’s launch of SA Science Week, which coincides with National Science Week.

The University was well-represented at the event, with Dr Michael Michael, Head of the Gene Expression Laboratory in Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, also a finalist for the same award.

Raymond Tham, Manager of Flinders Centre for Marine Bioprocessing and Bioproducts, was a finalist in the 2013 Unsung Hero of South Australian Science Communication category.

Associate Professor Love is a senior research fellow in the School of the Environment and one of Australia’s leading experts on the Great Artesian Basin.

As Chief Investigator of the recently completed $17 million National Water Commission project, Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs in the Great Artesian Basin – the biggest single groundwater research project in Australia – he was responsible for ensuring the delivery of both science and the policy outcomes.

The award citation noted his “leadership in both government and academic spheres and, significantly, in facilitating collaboration between the two”.

“Andy Love is an excellent mentor of young scientists, selflessly giving his time and knowledge to produce the next generation of Australia’s science leaders,” the citation continued.

Associate Professor Love said the award was “awesome and totally unexpected”.

“I was quite touched that Dr Kathryn Bellette and others from my working group thought highly enough to nominate me for this prestigious award,” he said.

“I have been at Flinders about five years now after spending the majority of my career in the State Government. I love it here as I can pursue my passion into researching groundwater, hopefully with a benefit to society.”