Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes has been recognised with Australia’s highest honour, Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2017 Australia Day Honours list.

Professor Holmes AC PresAA FRS FTSE received the recognition for his lifetime of service to science including his pioneering research at the interface of chemistry, biology and materials science, as an academic leader and mentor, and through his leadership of scientific organisations. At Cambridge, Professor Holmes led a team that made the breakthrough discovery of light-emitting polymers and co-founded Cambridge Display Technology to commercialise the now-pervasive technology. He received the 2003 Descartes Prize of the European Union, the 2011 John B Goodenough Award of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the 2012 Royal Medal from the Royal Society. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004.

Professor Holmes returned to Australia in 2004 as a Federation Fellow to lead the Bio21 Institute of the University of Melbourne. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 2000 and to the Fellowship of Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering in 2006. He served as Foreign Secretary of the Academy of Science from 2010-2014 and became its President in May 2014.

Fellows recognised as Officers in the General Division of the Order of Australia were:

• Professor Max Lu AO FAA FTSE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey in the UK for his pioneering work in chemical engineering and nanotechnology
• Professor Gordon Wallace AO FAA FTSE from the University of Wollongong for his research on electromaterials for energy storage and conversion as well as biomedical applications
• Professor Colin Masters AO FAA FTSE Senior Deputy Director of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health for his ground-breaking work understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
• Professor David Vaux AO FAA Deputy Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research for his research that led to new understanding of the genetic and molecular bases of cell death in cancer and other diseases

Fellows recognised as Members in the General Division of the Order of Australia were

• Professor Evan Simpson AM FAA Director Emeritus of the Hudson Institute of Medical Research for his ground-breaking research on the biological synthesis of oestrogen and its application in breast cancer and other diseases
• Professor Malcolm Walter AM FAA Director of the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at the University of NSW for his pioneering research on microbial biology in extreme ecosystems
• Professor Richard Harvey AM FAA Deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute for his work understanding and developing cellular pathways for treatment of cardiac disease.

The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed newly-appointed Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science—Senator Arthur Sinodinos AO, and congratulates Minister Greg Hunt MP on his appointment as Minister for Health and Sport.

“The science sector has sincerely appreciated Minister Hunt’s commitment to science and innovation, his willingness to engage with and understand issues facing the sector and his leadership of the National Innovation and Science Agenda,” said Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes.

“During his term as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Hunt established the Office of Innovation and Science Australia and made a number of timely and welcome commitments to science and innovation as drivers of Australia’s economy and social prosperity for the future.”

“His commitment to building international links, including ties to South East Asia and the United States has positioned Australia’s innovation sector to make a real global impact, and he recognised and affirmed the importance of the CSIRO as Australia’s flagship science and innovation agency.”

“The Academy of Science looks forward to continuing to work with Minister Hunt in his new portfolio on the many pressing challenges in health and medical research.”

Professor Holmes also welcomed the appointment of Senator Arthur Sinodinos as the new Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science.

“Minister Sinodinos brings a wealth of public policy experience to this portfolio that will help translate Australian research in areas such as medicine, clean energy and the basic physical and biological sciences into the economic growth that underpins a strong nation,” said Professor Holmes.

“We look forward to working with Minister Sinodinos to continue building Australia’s science and innovation capacity and underlying policies to ensure that Australia remains a leading nation driven and underpinned by ideas, research and innovation.”

Distinguished Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC FAA FTSE has been elected an Honorary Fellow of the Indian Academy of Science, one of only two elected in 2017.

This is the latest in a long list of honours and awards for Professor Jagadish, who was elected to the Australian Academy of Science in 2005. In addition to his ground-breaking research in nanotechnology, photovoltaics and semiconductor optoelectronics, Professor Jagadish has actively fostered international research links with Japan and China, as well as his native India.

He said he was humbled and grateful to receive the honour from his country of birth.

Over the past decade Professor Jagadish has worked tirelessly to promote links between Australia and India, which he hopes will bring opportunities and benefits for scientists from both countries. In one example, Professor Jagadish and his wife Dr Vidya Jagadish set up an endowment fund to support students and researchers from developing countries to travel to ANU and pursue collaborative research for up to 12 weeks.

Professor Jagadish was the Academy’s Secretary for Physical Sciences and Vice President from 2012 to 2016. He is currently the Chair of the Academy’s National Committee for Materials Science and Engineering.

He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2016 for his contributions to Australian science.

Download the Christmas Reading List

The Australian Academy of Science has released its first annual Christmas Reading List that could inspire thousands of stumped Australians searching for a last minute Christmas gift.

The Christmas stocking recommendations by Australia’s leading scientists who are Fellows of the Academy cover research into halting ageing, a future dystopian United States governed by Chelsea Clinton, a new view on the importance of Asian empires in the development of society, and how to teach quantum mechanics to your dog.

“Our Fellows’ interests are much broader than just science,” said Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes.

“Their thought-provoking recommendations will provide hours of inspiration and entertainment for Australians heading off for a relaxing break.”

Professor Tim Flannery’s choice is Against elections: the case for democracy for its heretical look at how elections have led us away from the original intent of democracy, while Laura Snyder’s The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four remarkable friends who transformed science and changed the world is the choice of Professor Robert C Williamson of the University of Melbourne.

Professor John Mattick, Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research recommends The patient will see you now by Eric Topol, for its glimpse into the massive changes coming down the pipeline in medicine and healthcare, while infectious disease expert Professor Eddie Holmes prefers The private science of Louis Pasteur for its depiction of a “devious, ruthless and ultimately fascinating” character.

Being mortal by Atul Gawande is the choice of ANU mathematician Professor Alan Carey, who found it indispensable after a family member was diagnosed with cancer, while Malcolm Macmillan’s biography of Snowy Campbell, an Australian pioneer of brain researcher from the late 19th century is fellow neuroscientist Professor John Furness’ suggestion.

And for those who can’t choose a single discipline, Western Australia’s Professor Fiona Stanley recommends The Best Australian Science writing of 2016 as an uplifting and inspiring read.

Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia slipped her own recommendation into the reading list – The Geek Manifesto: Why science matters by Mark Henderson.

“Henderson’s book shows that, more than ever, it’s important for scientists to engage in the political process,” Ms Arabia said.

“More than ever they need to make sure the scientific evidence base informs policy decisions.”

Contact Chris Hatherly| E: Chris.Hatherly@science.org.au | T: (02) 6201 9458 | M: 0417 209 425

Download the Christmas Reading List

The Australian Academy of Science has released its first annual Christmas Reading List, delving into the favourite reads of Australia's brightest academics.

Fellows of the Academy submitted their favourite books, covering research into halting ageing, a future dystopian United States governed by Chelsea Clinton, a new view on the importance of Asian empires in the development of society, and how to teach quantum mechanics to your dog.

“Our Fellows’ interests are much broader than just science,” said Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes.

“Their thought-provoking recommendations will provide hours of inspiration and entertainment for Australians heading off for a relaxing break.”

Professor Tim Flannery’s top choice is Against elections: the case for democracy for its heretical look at how elections have led us away from the original intent of democracy, while Laura Snyder’s The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four remarkable friends who transformed science and changed the world is the choice of Professor Robert C Williamson of the University of Melbourne.

Professor John Mattick, Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research recommends The patient will see you now by Eric Topol, for its glimpse into the massive changes coming down the pipeline in medicine and healthcare, while infectious disease expert Professor Eddie Holmes prefers The private science of Louis Pasteur for its depiction of a “devious, ruthless and ultimately fascinating” character.

Being mortal by Atul Gawande is the choice of ANU mathematician Professor Alan Carey, who found it indispensable after a family member was diagnosed with cancer, while Malcolm Macmillan’s biography of Snowy Campbell, an Australian pioneer of brain researcher from the late 19th century is fellow neuroscientist Professor John Furness’ suggestion.

And for those who can’t choose a single discipline, Western Australia’s Professor Fiona Stanley recommends The Best Australian Science writing of 2016 as an uplifting and inspiring read.

Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia slipped her own recommendation into the reading list – The Geek Manifesto: Why science matters by Mark Henderson.

“Henderson’s book shows that, more than ever, it’s important for scientists to engage in the political process,” Ms Arabia said.

“More than ever they need to make sure the scientific evidence base informs policy decisions.”

A special opportunity was made during Science at the Shine Dome for the donors to the following awards to meet the 2015 recipients of those awards: Ruth Stephens Gani Medal, Gustav Nossal Medal, Jacques Miller Medal, Moran Medal and Anton Hales Medal.

This provided a rare opportunity for donors and awardees to meet and chat over lunch in a relaxed atmosphere at the Shine Dome.

A bequest is a special gift; a wonderful opportunity to ensure that the Academy remains a part of the lives of future generations.

Professor David Craig’s bequest of $50 000 which, at his request was directed to Primary Connections, will directly support the publication of four new Student Science Journals for Year 5 students to be published in January 2017. These journals support each curriculum unit and allow students to record all their work for a unit, lesson by lesson. The journals become a valuable record for both students and teachers and are a key component of the inquiry-based teaching and learning model which underpins Primary Connections.

Student Science Journals years 5 and 6

New PrimaryConnections Student Science Journals for years 5 and 6 are currently being trialled and will be published in early 2017.

• Each ready-made, Student Science Journal allows students to record all their work for each unit, lesson by lesson.
• The journals support the teaching of the corresponding curriculum unit, and provide scaffolding to support students’ journalling while including opportunities for adding further notes and ideas. Guided questions are also included.
• All resource sheets are included so teachers can assess students’ understanding throughout the unit. Students are also encouraged to evaluate their own progress and understanding.
• The journals are produced in full colour with added illustrations to engage students. (Trial teachers report increased student motivation to record their thinking and to take greater pride in their work.)
• Literacy skills are supported with a student appendix of literacy focuses which are cross-referenced throughout the text.
• PrimaryConnections Student Science Journals will save teachers time and make classroom management easier. No more photocopying and handling of individual resource sheets

Professor Craig was a former Australian Academy of Science President and prominent Australian Chemist. The Australian Academy of Science acknowledges this valuable support in contributing to making Primary Connections a valuable part of science education in Australia.

For a confidential discussion about naming the Academy in your will, please contact the Bequests Manager:

Australian Academy of Science
GPO Box 783, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone 02 6201 9400
email philanthropy@science.org.au

A major donation from Dr Maxwell Day AO FAA, is being used to establish the annual Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award of up to $20 000, which will help PhD students or early-career researchers meet costs associated with their research or to supplement PhD scholarships.

The award is named in honour of Dr Maxwell Frank Cooper Day AO FAA who is the longest serving Fellow of the Academy and who has spent a lifetime championing entomology, conservation and forestry, and helping other scientists. Elected to the Academy in 1956—just two years after the Academy was founded—Dr Day still clearly remembers the 1958 ceremony at which then Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies officially laid the foundation stone of what is now known as the Shine Dome. Dr Day said recently that the most satisfying achievement of his long career was the work he did with the late Professor Frank Fenner AC FAA FRS on developing the myxomatosis virus which played a major part in controlling Australia’s rabbit problem. Dr Day is also proud of his work establishing the Division of Forest Research within CSIRO, which led to Australia’s international recognition for its contribution to forest research.

As for the future, Dr Day would like to see more diversification and collaboration across disciplines.

Dr Day and his family are generously funding this Fellowship to support scientists early in their careers, acknowledging the support that Dr Day himself received as a young researcher to travel overseas to gain his PhD at Harvard.

We sincerely thank Dr Day for his generosity.

A special thank you to Doug Hooley for his generous support to the Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award. Mr Hooley has pledged his ongoing support of the award.

When microbiologist Professor Nancy Millis passed away in September 2012, some of her colleagues at the University of Melbourne came up with the idea that, by donating sufficient funds, they would enable a medal to be struck in her honour—and thus began the Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science.

Major support from the University of Melbourne to act as a partner in underpinning the award of the Nancy Millis Medal in perpetuity was announced earlier this year. The university’s donation will allow the Academy and the university to work together in fully celebrating each recipient of the medal through joint recognition by both organisations.

President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Andrew Holmes, said what began with a small group of Prof Millis’ colleagues coming together to create an award to celebrate her work, has now become one of the organisation’s most popular awards.

“More than 100 remarkable women have already been nominated for the Medal in its short life span,” said Professor Holmes.

“This is the second Medal awarded by the Academy to acknowledge leading women in STEM, and we hope that we can work harder to support many more through our Awards. The Academy is very proud to be a partner with the University of Melbourne in celebrating and nurturing these leaders, and it is extremely grateful for the strong financial support of the award.”

Past awardees

• 2017—K A Wilson
• 2016—E Belousova
• 2015—T Davis
• 2014—E Johnston

Principal partner

Founding donors

The Academy would like to thank the following founding donors for their generous support of the Nancy Millis Medal:

• J A Angus
• E S Dennis
• S Cory
• I D Gust
• E Hartland
• A B Holmes
• P Y Ladiges
• J A Pittard
• R Roush

Academy Fellow Professor Terry Hughes has been named one of the Ten people who mattered in 2016 by science journal Nature. 

Professor Hughes is the only Australian to have earned a spot on the list this year, in recognition for his work documenting and alerting the world to the worst-ever coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef.

He is joined on the list by other science and technology leaders including Demis Assabis, co-counder of the artificial intelligence company Deep Mind whose computer program AlfphaGo beat the reigning Go world champion; Celina Turchi, who instigated the global response to Zika virus; and Guillem Anglade-Escudé who discovered the nearest known planet outside the solar system orbiting Proxima Centauri. 

As Distinguished Professor at James Cook University and Director of the ARC Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Professor Hughes led aerial and underwater surveys of over 2,300 kilometres of the reef in 2016, finding that 67% of coral in the northern section of the reef had died. He did 35 interviews with journalists on the day that interest in his story peaked.

Professor Hughes recently authored an article for ‘The Conversation’ on the findings, predicting long-term impacts in the northern corals, with higher levels of disease, and slower growth rates and rates of reproduction. Researchers expect the replacement of these dead corals to take at least 10 to 15 years, depending on conditions.

‘The message to people should be that we’ve got a closing window of opportunity to deal with climate change,’ he told Nature.

The Australian Academy of Science is conducting a review of Australian climate science capability and future requirements, looking to understand the expertise and infrastructure needed to shape Australia’s responses to changes in the climate.