Aziz, from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, won the first award for innovation in recognition of his leadership in mining engineering.

He has been a core member of UOW’s history in mining engineering and established the mining engineering degree in 1981, which has gone on to continually produce one of the largest, most successful cohorts of mining engineering students in Australia.

He established the only research laboratory for mine gas and outburst control in an Australian university and has world-recognised expertise in roof bolt testing for underground mines.

Aziz has been the long-term convenor of the annual Coal Operators Conference, one of Australia’s premier technical coal events. He is the author of more than 130 technical papers as well as being widely regarded by peers, industry and students.

In 2013, Aziz was awarded a University Fellowship in recognition of outstanding achievement, exceptional service and significant contributions to UOW.

This year’s Coal Operator’s Conference will be held from February 11 and 13 at the McKinnon Building at the University of Wollongong.