Computer scientist honoured

Professor Reinhard Klette from the Department of Computer Science at The University of Auckland has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He is one of just eleven top New Zealand researchers and scholars in basic and applied science and the humanities to receive the honour this year.

“Being elected as a Fellow is an honour given to our top researchers for showing exceptional distinction in research or in the advancement of science, technology or the humanities,” said Professor Richard Le Heron, chair of the Society’s Academy, in announcing the news.

"Professor Klette’s research into computer vision is world class, and as a consequence he attracts many graduate students to our Department,” says Head of Department of Computer Science Professor Gill Dobbie.

“He has had an exceptional academic career, publishing more than ten books, serving as a member of the editorial board of a number of journals, and being frequently sought after as a keynote speaker at international conferences in his research area."

Professor Klette was honoured by the Royal Society as a world leader in computer vision who, with his students, has improved the performance of computer vision algorithms since the 1990s by newly designed ways of mathematical modelling, comparative evaluation, and data analysis.

He leads the Environment Perception and Driver Assistance (.enpeda..) project examining how to use multiple camera images to understand traffic scenes and 3D environments. The main application of the research is the use of cameras installed in a vehicle to support its operation. Professor Klette also has a particular interest in multimedia imaging and its application in fields as diverse as biology, medicine, the arts and industry.

The Royal Society of New Zealand now has 382 Fellows. Fellows are involved in providing expert advice, promoting best and innovative research practice and disseminating information on the sciences and humanities.