The Companion of the Order of Australia is awarded for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity at large.

Distinguished Professor Brian Anderson, from the Australian National University's College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been appointed a Companion, for his work in information and communications technology, his service to engineering and higher education and as a mentor of young scientists.

"I was very surprised. I have been minding my business as a research professor for 10 years doing nothing very dramatic, and my research achievements fall far short of others who have been so honoured. For example, Frank Fenner, or Nobel Laureates like Brian Schmidt," Professor Anderson said.

"Also, I feel very grateful. Everything I have done professionally has been within a team; other people were always important, in fact essential – I did nothing by myself. And my wife Dianne has been an unfailing and crucial supporter of my professional life for nearly 50 years, sometimes with significant personal sacrifice."

A former chief scientist at NICTA, Australia's Information and Communications Technology Research Centre of Excellence, Professor Anderson said much of his work had been concerned with "applying general ideas of modelling to real world physical systems".

"In the past, I have worked on modelling the effects of water restrictions imposed during a drought to check whether they were effective [and] estimating the shape of a towed sonar behind a submarine when the submarine is not travelling in a straight line, so that the array can accurately use sonar measurements to localise other sound emitters in the water," he said.

"For the past few years I have been working on problems of controlling formations of drones – 'How does the formation achieve a single objective, like moving from A to B and circling B?' In particular, who talks to whom, who measures what, who controls what, so that the formation shape remains cohesive?"

Professor Anderson said his proudest achievement has been preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers.

"Academics like myself have trained many research students. They are like professional children. And as with one's own children, you take immense pride in their achievements," he said.

He retires to become emeritus professor on July 1.

"I still hope to work with young researchers, and to pursue my formation work further. But it will be at a reduced intensity," he said. "This will allow more time with family, including extended family with nine grandchildren. They will be living on three different continents, none of which is Australia."