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ACADEMY PRESIDENT IS APPOINTED AUSTRALIA'S NEW CHIEF SCIENTIST
28 February 2006

The Australian Academy of Science congratulates Dr Jim Peacock, the Academy President, on his appointment as Australia's new Chief Scientist.

The announcement was made earlier today by the Honourable Julie Bishop, Minister for Education, Science and Training, at the National Press Club as part of the annual 'Science Meets Parliament' event.

As President of the Academy of Science, Dr Peacock has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of science in policy making. He will play a critical role in advising the Government on science and technology issues that are important to Australia. Issues include stem cell research, genetically modified food, energy and climate change.

Science is an integral part of our everyday lives and will become increasingly important as knowledge advances. His strong international scientific links will ensure that Australia is alert to emerging technologies and new opportunities.

Dr Peacock is an award-winning plant scientist, and in 2005 he was recognised with the CSIRO Medal for Lifetime Achievement, honouring his unprecedented 25 year role as Chief of CSIRO Plant Industry.

In 1994 Dr Peacock was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia's highest honour, for his contribution to the nation, and in 2000 he was a joint recipient of the inaugural Prime Minister's Science Prize. His four-year term as President of the Academy will conclude in early May this year.

Dr Peacock is a Fellow of The Royal Society of London and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. In 1990 he was elected as a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences and a Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy.