Upgrading, expanding and connecting many of Australia’s research facilities remains critical to finding solutions to challenges in industry, agriculture, health and environment.

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Research Infrastructure Investment Plan and its response to the Chief Scientist’s National Research Infrastructure Roadmap. 

Professor Ruth J. Williams (United States) and Professor Richard Ellis (United Kingdom) have been admitted to the Australian Academy of Science for outstanding scientific contributions to their fields.

Professor Ruth J. Williams and Professor Richard Ellis have been admitted to the Academy as new Corresponding Members.

Professor Ruth J. Williams (United States) and Professor Richard Ellis (United Kingdom) have been admitted to the Australian Academy of Science for outstanding scientific contributions to their fields.

An Australian scientist who has revealed the hidden world of ants has become the first person from the Northern Territory to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

An Australian scientist who has revealed the hidden world of ants has become the first person from the Northern Territory to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

From left to right: Ms Julia Banks MP, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Professor Karen Hapgood from Deakin University, Academy Fellow Professor Maria Forsyth from Deakin University, Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash, and Ms Margaret Hansford from Girl Guides Victoria
From left: Ms Julia Banks MP, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Professor Karen Hapgood from Deakin University, Academy Fellow Professor Maria Forsyth from Deakin University, Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash, and Ms Margaret Hansford from Girl Guides Victoria

Delivered 9 am Thursday 24 May 2018, Shine Dome, Canberra

Australian Academy of Science President, Professor Andrew Holmes

Before we begin the proceedings, I would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet—the Ngunnawal people of the Wiradjuri Nation. It is upon their ancestral lands that the Australian Academy of Science is built.

Professor John Shine AC PresAA in the Ian Wark Theatre at the Shine Dome. Image: Bradley Cummings Photography

Pioneering biochemist and molecular biologist Professor John Shine AC PresAA has commenced today as President of the Australian Academy of Science.

Professor Shine becomes the 19th President of the Academy. The founding President was Sir Marcus Oliphant AC KBE FAA FRS FTSE, elected in 1954.

Academy Fellow Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte will be the next NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.

Academy Fellow and world leader in field robotics Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte has been appointed the next Chief Scientist and Engineer for New South Wales.

Professor Durrant-Whyte is currently Chief Scientific Adviser for the UK Ministry of Defence. He will start his new role in September.

© 2025 Australian Academy of Science

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