University Of Melbourne Recognises GEOSA President Mohammed Al Sayel With Gary Nairn Medal For Leadership

Mohammed Al Sayel, President of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), has been honoured with the Gary Nairn Medal for Leadership by Australia's University of Melbourne. This accolade acknowledges his significant contributions to the survey and geospatial information sector in Saudi Arabia. Al Sayel was chosen as the first recipient of this award, recognising his leadership and developmental efforts both regionally and globally.

The University of Melbourne's Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration (CSDILA) established this award in memory of Gary Nairn, who passed away in 2024. Nairn was a prominent figure in the geospatial field, holding various leadership roles and contributing significantly on a global scale. The award aims to honour leaders who make exceptional efforts in advancing the geospatial industry at national and international levels.

The award ceremony took place during the 2025 Geospatial Leadership Training and Global Forum held in Melbourne. The event focused on "Next-Generation Sustainability: Advancing the Future with Geospatial Intelligence." GEOSA participated at the invitation of the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre (UN-GGKIC) alongside CSDILA.

During his visit to Australia, Al Sayel also explored Geoscience Australia, which is the national agency for geological and earth sciences. This visit provided insights into Australia's management of geospatial information. He learned about satellite systems used for geodetic work, Earth observations, and navigation purposes.

Al Sayel's exploration included understanding how Australia produces its Atlas, offering valuable insights into their methodologies. Additionally, he visited the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre to gain further knowledge about their operations.

This recognition highlights Al Sayel's influential role in promoting geospatial advancements within Saudi Arabia and beyond. His efforts continue to impact both regional and international geospatial sectors positively.

With inputs from SPA