CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Malcolm McIntosh today announced that Dr Ian Common of CSIRO's Division of Entomology had won the internationally prestigious Karl Jordan Medal.

Dr Common received the medal for nearly five decades of research dedicated to the classification and understanding of Australian moths and butterflies.

"The Karl Jordan Medal is one of the world's premier awards for entomology," said Dr McIntosh. "CSIRO is extremely proud that one of its scientists has achieved this important international honour."

The Karl Jordan Medal is not awarded regularly, and is conferred by the International Lepidopterist's Society only when a scientist has made outstanding and original contributions to scientific knowledge. The medal will be awarded to Dr Common in Houston, Texas, on 15 June 1996.

"Ian Common is one of the most outstanding lepidopterists (who study moths and butterflies) of our time," said Dr McIntosh. "He has had a profound impact on our knowledge of Australian insects, and on lepidoptera research in other countries.

"Good research depends on good basic data, and the work of researchers like Ian Common underpins the high reputation of Australian science," said Dr McIntosh.

"The classification work of such scientists as Ian Common also has significant economic consequences," said Dr McIntosh. "Dr Common won the award primarily for his work on the Australian mallee moth which has enormous impact on litter and soil quality."

Dr Common is author of many publications including the moths and butterfly section of the definitive Insects of Australia; is author of Moths of Australia, and co-author of the best-selling Butterflies of Australia.

Dr Common was made an Honorary Research Fellow of CSIRO's Division of Entomology in 1982, following a long and distinguished career with the Division.

More information and photographs from: Ms Jenny Goldie 06-2464194