University of NSW academic Michael Sherris has been named Actuary of the Year by the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Making the award at the institute's biennial convention 2007 in New Zealand last week, institute President Fred Rowley said Professor Sherris has made an outstanding contribution to research in Australia and internationally and has developed a very successful actuarial program at the university.

Earlier this year Professor Sherris was presented with the Geneva Association/International Insurance Society Research Award.