Indian origin scientist honoured in Australia

An Indian origin scientist has been awarded the Australian prime minister's science prize for his research work on flight skills of honeybees and applying them to robotic aircraft.

Mandyam Srinivasan, 56, a professor of biological science at the Australian National University, was awarded the $300,000 prime minister's prize on Tuesday. His discoveries on how bees use visual clues to regulate flight speed and control landings has led to new robotic technology and the development of automatic systems for helicopters and micro robotic aircraft for use in space exploration.

"It

was a thrill and quite unexpected," Srinivasan said after receiving the award at Parliament House ceremony. He said he now planned a series of experiments to find out if bees could feel emotions as well as further aviation research.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard praised 'Srini,' as he is known, for work that had 'helped redefine robotics'.

"What started 23 years ago as basic research with no apparent application is now followed closely by robotics experts around the world," Howard told a newspaper. He was among the five people honoured for their contribution to science and education.