Kelly's a hero in rubber seismic technology

ERJ staff report (TP)

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia − Known as the father of base isolation, Professor Emeritus James M. Kelly from the University of California, Berkeley was presented with Malaysia’s 2012 Mahathir Science Award on 13 December in a ceremony hosted by Mahathir Science Award Foundation (MSAF). The award is to recognize his significant contributions in the development of seismic rubber bearings used for protecting buildings, bridges and other such structures against devastating impact of earthquakes.

Professor Kelly was selected by the Fellows of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in October last year through a voting process by the Fellows based on evaluations made by technical experts and International Advisory Panel, which included Nobel Prize winner Professor Lee Yuan Tseh from Taiwan.

The Mahathir Science Award Foundation bestows the award to researchers or institutions who have made internationally recognized scientific breakthroughs in pioneering tropical research that have brought greater positive impacts on the well-being of society in the fields of Tropical Medicine, Tropical Agriculture, Tropical Architecture and Engineering and Tropical Natural Resources.

In 2012, MSAF received 31 nominations (scientists and institutions) from 11 countries around the world and two scientists were shortlisted for the award.

Presented annually, the award aims to encourage excellence in tropical science research that will accord direct benefits to countries in the tropics, and the global community. Over the years, the award has been awarded to six recipients. It carries a cash prize of US$100,000 (€72,680) a gold medal and a certificate. Professor Kelly is the first recipient of the award in the field of Tropical Architecture and Engineering.

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Press release from Academy of Science Malaysia