Isobel Bennett was a pioneer in Australian coral reef biology, devoting her life to marine biology, education and conservation. She is pictured here in the summer of 1963, on board Te Vega during an Indian Ocean expedition. Find out more about the history of science on the Great Barrier Reef in our virtual issue of Historical Records of Australian Science. Photo: Michael Hadfield, University of Hawaii.
‘Making waves: a century of coral reef science’ is the fascinating theme of the latest virtual issue of the Academy’s journal, Historical Records of Australian Science. Virtual issues compile existing journal content on specific topics of interest.
Guest editor for this issue is president of the Australian Coral Reef Society Dr Sarah Hamylton, who in the introduction says the virtual issue acknowledges the hundred-year anniversary of the society which first met as the Great Barrier Reef Committee in 1922.
“The collection reflects on many years of dedication of reef scientists, members and councillors to advancing our understanding of, and protecting, coral reefs,” she says.
“These are exciting times in a disciplinary field with an extraordinary history. I hope you enjoy reading about it.”
National Committee chairs meet to address future challenges
The chairs of the Academy’s 22 National Committees for Science recently met in person for the first time in three years to reflect on recent and future challenges facing science. Chairs connected with colleagues and discussed diversity and inclusion, science policy, diplomacy, communication, transdisciplinary activities and collaboration to overcome Australia’s national and global problems through evidence-based science.
Meetings of the National Committee chairs have adopted an online hybrid model but a return to in-person meetings will continue to strengthen the chairs’ working relationships.
The National Committees for Science represent the disciplinary composition of Australian science. The committees foster the community of a designated branch or theme of natural science in Australia, provide advice on domestic policy, and link Australian and overseas scientists in the same field. Importantly, National Committees advise the Academy’s Council on Australia’s representation for the international scientific unions and multidisciplinary bodies of the International Science Council.
In brief
New Vice-President and Secretary Biological Sciences
Congratulations to Professor Bob Graham from the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute who has been elected the Academy’s next Vice-President and Secretary Biological Sciences. Professor Graham will commence his four-year term following the Academy’s AGM in May 2023. He was elected a Fellow of the Academy in 2002 and is currently a member of Council. Professor Graham’s research focuses on molecular cardiology, in particular circulatory control mechanisms, hypertension, receptor signalling and cardiac hypertrophy.
Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element
Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA by a junior scientist
Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
AOGS Axford Medal
The Volvo Environment Prize
Lefoulon-Delalande Grand Prize
Welch Award in Chemistry
Lasker Award
Letten Prize
Mahathir Science Award
Virchow Prize for Global Health
Fellows update
Keep abreast of the Academy Fellowship in the Fellows update:
Honours and awards to Fellows
WA events connect Fellows and an Academy partner with EMCRs
State memorial for Professor Derek Denton
Donations
Gifts and legacies from Fellows and friends have helped the Australian Academy of Science to consolidate its independence.
Support given through general donations is directly responsible for strengthening the Academy’s core activities such as scientific meetings, advice to support policy development, publications, education, public awareness and outreach, international activities, awards and fellowships.
Each time you make a gift through our annual tax or special appeals, you help to make the Academy a vital, viable and visible presence in Australia and around the world.
Find out about Celebrate science, which gives you the opportunity to dedicate a virtual copper roof tile of the Shine Dome to an Australian scientist who has made a significant contribution to science.
