Three Academy Fellows and an EMCR Forum member are among several distinguished researchers appointed a Fellow of the International Science Council – the international body for convening global scientific expertise on issues of major scientific and public importance.
Professors Brian Schmidt AC FAA FTSE FRS, Cheryl Praeger AC FAA, and John Church AO FAA FTSE have been appointed in recognition of their “outstanding contributions to promoting science as a global public good,” the ISC said in their announcement today. Computer scientist and member of the Academy’s EMCR Forum, Associate Professor Andreea Molnar has also been appointed a Fellow.
“The ISC Fellowship recognises individuals who are ambassadors and advocates working tirelessly for science internationally and for the vital importance of evidence-informed policymaking,” Chair of the ISC Fellowship Council Professor Terrence Forrester said.
“ISC Fellows hail from wide-ranging geographies, sectors, disciplines and career stages, and we look forward to working with them all in multiple capacities in the coming months and years.”
Award-winning mathematician, educator, and science diplomat, Professor Cheryl Praeger said she was thrilled to hear the announcement, particularly given the international significance of the Council. “I saw the role of the ISC in action during my term as member of the ISC’s Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science, and I am very pleased to see the ISC’s role this year in supporting the formation of a Pacific academy for the sciences and humanities,” Professor Praeger said.
“Currently I have the privilege to serve on the National Science and Technology Council providing science advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers, and I look forward to this new opportunity to contribute through the ISC,” Professor Praeger said.
Professor Praeger has more than 40 years of experience in scientific engagement and leadership in Australia and overseas. She served as adviser and executive on numerous Australian science bodies, including the Australian Academy of Science, as well as the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia, International Mathematical Union, and ISC Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science. She was the first pure mathematician to win an Australian Research Council Federation Fellowship, and in 2019 she became the first pure mathematician to be awarded the Australian Prime Minister’s Prize for Science.
Nobel Laureate and world-renowned astrophysicist Professor Brian Schmidt’s research has led to unlocking fundamental mysteries of our Universe. He has been the Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University since 2016 – a position he will relinquish in January 2024 – and has won major accolades including the Shaw Prize in Astronomy in 2006, the Gruber Prize in Cosmology in 2007, and the Academy’s Pawsey Medal in 2011. He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2013.
Professor John Church is the pre-eminent authority on the rate of 20th century sea-level rise. He was a pioneer in what is now a standard approach to the use of observations to detect climate change in the ocean, and his research has played a significant role in international planning for climate change research. He was co-convening lead author on the IPCC 3rd and 5th Assessment Reports and is a member of the Joint Scientific Committee of the World Climate Research Programme.
Associate Professor Andreea Molnar’s research is focused on computing for good. Her research has applications in health, education, and governmental services, and she is also the Senior Editor for Information Technology and People. Associate Professor Molnar is also a member of the Global Young Academy.
Other prominent Australian researchers including conservationist Professor Peter Bridgewater, Emeritus Professor of modern history Roy MacLeod, and cognitive scientist Professor Anina Rich have also been appointed to the ISC Fellowship.
“The election of these researchers and scientists to the fellowship of the International Science Council is a fitting acknowledgement of their excellence and years of service to advancing science as a global public good. We are thrilled for them and offer our warmest congratulations,” President of the Academy Professor Chennupati Jagadish said.
ISC Fellows serve as experts and advisers for the ISC’s governance, scientific initiatives and partnerships, and as ambassadors and advocates for science for the global good. They are nominated by stakeholders including ISC Fellows, members, and affiliated bodies, and must demonstrate relevant expertise in their field as well as a track record of contributing to science policy and science for society, in addition to having a global or regional influence.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
