A Prime Minister’s Prize-winning epilepsy specialist, an internationally recognised astrophysicist, a geotechnical engineer and a Southern Ocean climate scientist have joined the Council of the Australian Academy of Science.
The new members have been elected to join Council for three-year terms that commence after the Academy’s Annual General Meeting, held as part of Science at the Shine Dome in Canberra this week.
Epilepsy specialist Professor Sam Berkovic AC FAA, winner of the 2014 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, joins the Council as an ordinary member for the biological sciences. Astrophysicist Professor Elaine Sadler FAA, geotechnical engineer Professor Scott Sloan AO FAA FRS FTSE, and oceanographer and climate specialist Dr Steve Rintoul FAA will join as ordinary members for the physical sciences.
Leading nanotechnologist Professor C. Jagadish AC FAA FTSE is retiring from Council after a four year term as the Academy’s Secretary Physical Sciences and Vice President. Materials scientist Professor Jim S. Williams AM FAA FTSE will take his place. Also retiring are Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, and Professors Bob Vincent FAA, and Peter Koopman FAA.
Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes AM PresAA FRS FTSE welcomed the new members and thanked those retiring for their service to the Academy.
“By joining the Council of the Academy these scientists are demonstrating a huge commitment not only to scientific research but also to participating actively in creating an Australian scientific culture,” Professor Holmes said. “I welcome each of the new members of Council and look forward to working with them.”
“On behalf of the Academy I express my deep gratitude to the outgoing members of Council, and in particular to the outgoing Vice President, Professor Jagadish, for his tireless efforts in the service of science and the Academy.”
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