University of Newcastle mathematician and Laureate Professor Jonathan Borwein is one of just 17 scientists across Australia in 2010 to be elected to the Fellowship of the prestigious Academy of Science.

The Fellowship comprises Australia's top scientists, recognised for research that has had a profound impact on the world's scientific knowledge in fields including medicine, physics, mathematics and engineering.

Laureate Professor Borwein is internationally recognised for his contribution to mathematics and computing education, and research in each of pure, applied and computational mathematics as well as high-performance computing.

He has led the development of cutting-edge computer programs illustrating complex mathematical ideas for school and university students, and researchers.

"The programs bring maths alive. Abstract mathematical concepts become geometrical patterns rather than a jumble of never-ending numbers," Laureate Professor Borwein said.

"Children are often very open to learning maths but lose interest along the way and don't continue their studies at university. My hope is that these programs will retain their interest and show them how exciting the world of maths can be."

Laureate Professor Borwein joined the University of Newcastle from Canada's Dalhousie University in 2008 and is Director of the University's Priority Research Centre for Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA).

CARMA has established a computation and communications laboratory to research how technology can be harnessed to bridge the gap between what students learn in class and the real-world role of maths.

The Centre provides an environment for academics and users of maths - for example engineers, financial consultants, weather forecasters and statisticians - to collaborate on world-class research through cutting edge technology.

Laureate Professor Borwein said it was an honour to be elected to the Academy.

"The election procedure is extremely rigorous and the competition very fierce, with nominations sent around the world for references. I am delighted to see experimental mathematics and my work in this sphere explicitly recognised by the Academy."

This latest honour adds to a long list of awards and achievements for Laureate Professor Borwein, including being elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

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