Although he is in what some may regard as a thankless profession, Dr Smith has been thrust into the limelight since being nominated for the Australian Museum's 2009 Eureka People's Choice Award for Scientist of the Year.

The Menai physicist was nominated for his work measuring gases trapped in Antarctic ice sheets, as a way of better understanding climate change.

Despite his breakthroughs in the field Dr Smith played down the acclaim.

"I sort of fell into it. I am not a climate change or atmospheric scientist,'' he said.

"I see myself providing a unique tool to help understand some of these questions.''

Australian Museum director Frank Howarth is thrilled with the nomination of finalists for the People's Choice Award.

"So much of the research and discoveries of our top scientists is world-leading and has major implications for the future,'' Mr Howarth said.

"The People's Choice Award gives everyone the chance to get behind a scientist and give them the thanks and praise they so richly deserve.''

Dr Smith is more concerned with what his nomination will do for his institution and local community.

"It's good for our profile and the issue of climate change.

"ANSTO is more than just the nuclear reactor. A lot of the work we do deals with the environment and climate change.

"I do a lot of outreach work with children in the local community. If I win, I hope it can provide some inspiration for young, promising physicists.''

Voting for the 2009 Eureka Prizes People's Choice Award closes this Sunday.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on August 18.