The Australian Academy of Science is saddened to learn of the passing of its former President and former Chief Scientist of Australia, Dr Jim Peacock AC FAA FTSE FRS, at the age of 87.
Academy President, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, said Dr Peacock will be deeply missed and remembered as a champion of Australian science.
“Jim was dedicated to Australian science and the Academy right to the end, making a significant effort to attend our annual Science at the Shine Dome event just six weeks ago.
“Jim made outstanding contributions to Australian science, agriculture and science education over many years,” Professor Jagadish said.
Initially intending to become a biology or science teacher, Dr Peacock was inspired to pursue a career in research after doing his honours in the field of cytogenetics, studying snowgrass from Kosciuszko National Park.
In an interview about his life and career with his friend and Academy colleague Dr Liz Dennis AC recorded in 2008, Dr Peacock said one of his favourite things to do while studying plants for his PhD was camping out in the Australian bush.
Dr Peacock went on to become a molecular biologist and geneticist, rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Division of Plant Industry at CSIRO from 1977 to 2003 and Australia’s Chief Scientist between 2006 and 2008.
Dr Peacock was responsible for the development of insect-resistant cotton in Australia, removing the dependence on agrichemicals.
His achievements in plant science include the development of a low-GI, high-fibre variety of barley valuable to human health. He also founded several agribusiness companies including the Gene Shears Company.
Dr Peacock was elected a Fellow of the Academy in 1976 then served as the Academy’s 15th President from 2002 to 2006.
He said his biggest contribution while Academy President was to champion better science in schools.
“In particular, I was able to initiate Primary Connections, which now is used in primary schools right across Australia.
“That was really exciting and I believe it has changed the face of primary school science,” Dr Peacock said.
One of Dr Peacock’s other major accomplishments as President was to transform the Academy’s approach to providing science policy advice to Government.
“We’ve got to help toward making the right policies... I did change that approach, and it worked pretty well,” he said.
Dr Peacock also established the CSIRO Discovery Centre in Canberra, providing many thousands of children and family members with a hands-on science experience illustrating the importance of science in our lives.
He was also awarded the 2013 ACT Senior Australian of the Year.
The Academy offers its condolences to Dr Peacock's family and friends.
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