Professor David Lamb from the school of science and technology has received the McClymont Distinguished Professorship (Research).

“[He] is an international industry leader in the application of precision agriculture technology to the cropping, pasture and livestock industries,” UNE chancellor James Harris said.

The professorship is in honour of GL (Bill) McClymont, who established and developed rural science, as agricultural systems management, at the University of New England.

UNE has also conferred the title on acclaimed zoologist and ecologist Fritz Geiser.

Mr Harris said Professor Geiser had done groundbreaking research in ecological physiology, and had made an outstanding contribution to research development and excellence of the university.

“Professor Geiser is an expert in zoology and ecology whose specialties lie with organismal biology of hibernation and torpor,” Mr Harris said.

“His internationally acclaimed research has been instrumental in the success of zoology as a discipline at UNE, and has resulted in substantial paradigm shifts in his field.”

His Madgwick Distinguished Professorship is in honour of RB Madgwick, the university’s first vice-chancellor.

The Distinguished Professor title is the preeminent honorary award available to serving members of the academic staff of the university.

Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding attributes including academic leadership and a significant contribution to the teaching or research in their field.

They must also have an outstanding record of research publication and acknowledgement by peers as a leader in research in their discipline.

Both academics are the inaugural recipients of the award and will hold the honorary titles for four years.