Message from the President

May 31, 2021
John Shine
 

I have the pleasure of warmly welcoming our 2021 Fellows, newly elected to the Academy. This year 22 exceptional scientists join our ranks from a diverse cross-section of Australian science. All are global leaders in their fields as well as distinguished in Australia, and I look forward to collaborating with them to achieve the Academy’s goals. I also welcome two new Corresponding Members, Emeritus Professor Eleanor Dodson and Sir Fraser Stoddart. This is an acknowledgment of the outstanding contribution to science made by our international colleagues with strong ties to Australia.

The Academy will deliver its annual event, Science at the Shine Dome, in a new format in 2021 to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions while reaching new audiences online. There will be online presentations by award recipients, a symposium with the theme ‘Science and the Public Good’, and ceremonies celebrating the admission of the 2020 and 2021 new Fellows to the Academy. I encourage you all to participate; you can find out more at the Science at the Shine Dome website.

Misinformation on the science of immunisation is impacting on the COVID-10 vaccine rollout in Australia. To provide trusted answers to common questions about vaccines, the Academy, with support from the Australian Government Department of Health, has updated its guide, The Science of Immunisation, which helps Australians understand scientific information about immunisation so that everyone can make well-informed healthcare decisions. I thank the Expert Working Group members for contributing their time and expertise to this important project. The guide is available for free online, and as a printed booklet for distribution through clinics and community groups.

Finally, the Academy is proud to release its 2020 Annual Report, where you can read about our achievements last year and how the Academy adapted to the challenges thrown our way. The year 2020 was a pivotal one for us, demonstrating how important the Academy’s role is for Australian science.

I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter.

John Shine

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

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