Listed below are details of past recipients of the Academy Medal, dating back to 1990.
Kim Carr retired as Victoria's longest serving Senator (from 1993 to 2022) and as one of the most significant Ministers of Science in recent decades. His Parliamentary service included Ministerial appointments in Cabinet as Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (2007-2011 and 2013), Minister for Higher Education (2013), Minister for Manufacturing (2011-2012), Minister for Defence Materiel (2011-2012), and Minister for Human Services (2012-2013). He committed a great deal of his political life, in Government and in Opposition, advocating for, and defending, public good research, science and technology and education. He is currently a Vice Chancellor's Professorial Fellow at Monash University, providing strategic advice and expertise to advance partnerships with local and global industries, focusing on the development of the Monash Technology Precinct.
Dr Clark has led innovation in Australian science. Her ambitious leadership of the Australian Space Agency is making exciting waves in space research and future space exploration. Starting as a mine and exploration geologist, she subsequently worked in R&D management, venture capital and technical strategy. Megan is currently a director of Rio Tinto, CSL Limited and CARE Australia and recently chaired the Expert Working Group into the Review of Australia’s Space Industry Capability. She was the first female chief executive of CSIRO and in 2014 was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to scientific research and development.
Mr Yates serves as chairman, board director and senior executive for several prominent Australian corporate, media and community organisations. In 2005 Peter helped found the Australian Science Media Centre and later the Royal Institution of Australia. His objective was to change the way Australia looked at science, something he continues to pursue. In 2011 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to education, the financial services industry and a range of arts, science and charitable organisations.
Professor Chubb has dedicated his life to science in Australia as our Chief Scientist, as Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University and as President of the International Alliance of Research Universities. He is a champion of research who has worked tirelessly to ensure science enhances the lives of all Australians, be it through innovative technology, informed policy or a scientifically-literate public. Ian’s other accolades and awards include being named 2011 ACT Australian of the Year, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and a Companion of the Order of Australia for services to higher education.
Physics Foundation
Professor Messel is awarded the Academy Medal in recognition of his conspicuous and enduring service to the cause of science in Australia, which has included innovative scientific leadership through the establishment of the Physics Foundation at the University of Sydney (the first such foundation in Australia), his vision for secondary school science education and the resulting series of textbooks, and the establishment of his International Science Schools.
Executive Chairman of Macquarie Group’s Melbourne Office
Simon McKeon is a prominent business leader and philanthropist who has made extensive contributions to Australian science and innovation. The 2011 Australian of the Year’s many appointments include Chairman of the CSIRO Board since 2010, Foundation Chairman, and now Patron, of Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia, Chair of In2Science, and member of the inaugural Bio21 Australia Board. Simon has championed informed debate on climate change, and provided inspiring leadership in the community sector, especially in the areas of health and disability.
Senior Correspondent for Australasian Science magazine
Peter Pockley is Australia's pioneer science writer, broadcaster and commentator. He established specialist reporting of science in the Australian media in 1964, leading teams and fronting programs which transformed the medium. He remains an independent reporter and commentator, contributing to a wide range of media including the ABC, SBS TV and major newspapers around the country. His authoritative work is characterised by flair and rigorous accuracy.
Executive Secretary, Australian Aacdemy of Science
Professor Sue Serjeantson is awarded the Academy Medal in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Australian Science during her role as Executive Secretary of the Academy. As Academy Executive Secretary for seven years, she oversaw the expansion of Academy activities in areas including the education, international and policy programs.
Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University, Canberra.
Professor Michael Gore is awarded the Academy Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Australian Science through his establishment and leadership of the Questacon National Science Centre that has been an exemplar for the creation of other science museums, nationally and internationally.
Rod Home has made outstanding contributions to the Australian Academy of Science and to the cause of science more generally through his expert work in editing ‘Historical Records of Australian Science’. Under his influence the publication has become a respected scholarly journal of high standing and an important record of Australian science. He has also provided continuing leadership as the Academy’s Chair of the National Committee for the History and Philosophy of Science. Rod’s scholarly work has been devoted to communicating the history of Australian science to a broad and receptive audience and the Academy of Science is proud to recognise his achievements.Rod Home has made outstanding contributions to the Australian Academy of Science and to the cause of science more generally through his expert work in editing ‘Historical Records of Australian Science’. Under his influence the publication has become a respected scholarly journal of high standing and an important record of Australian science. He has also provided continuing leadership as the Academy’s Chair of the National Committee for the History and Philosophy of Science. Rod’s scholarly work has been devoted to communicating the history of Australian science to a broad and receptive audience and the Academy of Science is proud to recognise his achievements.
Norman Swan has made substantial contributions to the cause of science and technology in Australia through his wide broadcasting experience. He produces and presents the award-winning Health Report and was the host of Life Matters. Both of these are high profile programs on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio National. More recently he has been host of Health Dimensions on ABC Television. In addition to his broadcasting, Norman also edits his own newsletter, The Health Reader. This newsletter, published in association with Choice magazine, introduces and examines medical issues within the public arena.
Peter Wills has made outstanding contributions to the cause of science and technology in Australia through his efforts as Chair of the Health and Medical Research Strategic Review. His tireless work as Chair of the Implementation Committee then ensured the recommendations of the review were implemented. The review document, known as the Wills Review, was also significant in convincing government that science is indeed a critical 'investment'. This underpinned the policy of Backing Australia’s Ability. His efforts have also assisted in establishing and encouraging the development of a map of Australian science for the future.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
