The development of safer and more efficient methods of clearing sea mines has been recognised with the presentation of an international award to Dr Phil Mulhearn of the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO).

The award, presented by Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Reith at a recent ceremony in Adelaide, demonstrated the significance Dr Mulhearn's work will have for planning and undertaking mine clearance operations, both within Australia and throughout the world.

Dr Mulhearn's research, spanning ten years, will result in faster mine clearing, which in turn allows freedom of navigation to be restored faster with a consequent impact on trade and naval operations.

With a team of DSTO scientists in Sydney, Dr Mulhearn has worked on improving the effectiveness of seabed penetrometers, instruments dropped from ships that measure the strength of the seabed.

The improved effectiveness of these instruments will enable mine clearance experts to quickly measure the strength of the ocean floor and make accurate assessments as to where mines may be buried.

"The ability to make more accurate predictions about whether mines may be buried under the seafloor means that mine clearing operations can be performed in a far more efficient and effective manner," Dr Mulhearn said.

Dr Mulhearn said it was an honour to be presented with the award, not just for himself, but for the team he worked with.

"To have our research recognised in this way is extremely gratifying," he said.

Dr Mulhearn was one of four DSTO scientists to receive an award.

The international awards are presented annually under the banner of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP), Australia's most important arrangement for international cooperation in Defence science, involving the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.