This month we witnessed a historic moment for science, with the pardon of Kathleen Folbigg after she had spent 20 years in prison.
Science was key in former Chief Justice of NSW Commissioner Tom Bathurst finding reasonable doubt regarding her convictions, and in overturning Australia’s greatest miscarriage of justice—in particular, the research of Academy Fellow Professor Carola Vinuesa FAA FRS and colleagues was crucial, and led to the establishment of the Second Inquiry. Academy past-President Professor John Shine AC FAA FRS and 90 other scientists also signed a petition seeking a pardon.
I also commend Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia and other members of the Academy Secretariat for their work supporting Professor Vinuesa throughout the inquiry, and for working to create a more science-sensitive legal system.
There is much to be done on that front, and the Academy will pursue law reform to create a system where complex and emerging science can better inform the justice system.
Many other Fellows have had their significant contributions to science and society recognised in various ways this month.
In particular, we acknowledge Academy Fellow Professor Doug Hilton AO FAA who has been appointed the new chief executive of CSIRO.
Professor Hilton is a widely respected scientist and leader, who, in addition to his contributions to science, has been a wonderful ambassador for the Australian research community.
I am sure the innovative and progressive leadership—including a commitment to equality and diversity—that he showed during his 14 years as Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) will continue as he takes on the leadership of our national science agency.
We at the Academy wish him all the best in this new role.
Six Fellows of the Academy were also recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours in June, including Professor Glenda Halliday AC FAA FAHMS who received the Companion of the Order of Australia and Professor David Craik AO FAA FRS who was awarded an Officer of the Order.
Professor Marcela Bilek AM FAA, Professor Maria Forsyth AM FAA FTSE, Emeritus Professor Peter Langridge AM FAA FTSE, and Emeritus Professor Robyn Owens AM FAA FTSE were all awarded the Member of the Order of Australia. Our warm congratulations to all.
Other members of our Fellowship have received awards and prizes in recent weeks, and I encourage you to read more about them in the Fellows update.
The EMCR Forum has also published its annual report, highlighting its many activities and achievements for 2022.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
