The Australian Academy of Science has elected three University of Sydney academics as Fellows, recognising outstanding careers and continuing excellence in scientific research.

Professor Maria Byrne, a marine biologist from the School of Life and Environmental Science, Professor Alex Molev, a pure mathematician from the School of Mathematics and Statistics, and Professor Catherine Stampfl, a condensed matter physicist from the School of Physics, join 540 eminent scientists as Fellows of Australia’s leading scientific society.

The Dean of Science, Professor Iain Young, said: "It’s a great honour to welcome new Fellows to the Faculty, which shows the breadth, depth and quality of our research."

Australian Academy of Science President, Professor John Shine, congratulated the new Fellows for making significant and lasting impacts in their scientific disciplines.

"These scientists were elected by their Academy peers following a rigorous evaluation process. What stands out among the new Fellows elected this year is the collective impact of their science on an international scale," Professor Shine said.

Marine biologist Professor Maria Byrne is leading international expert on echinoderms, which are some of the most beautiful and interesting animals in the sea. They include feather stars, sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers.

More than 1000 species live in Australian waters and play an important ecological role. Several species of sea urchins and sea cucumbers form the basis of important fisheries. Many are still to be found and studied.