Dr Jim Peacock, Chief of CSIRO Plant Industry, has been elected to lead Australia's senior organisation of research scientists and technologist, the Australian Academy of Science.
Peacock, 64, was elected to the Academy in 1976 and his leading work has been recognised in Australia and overseas. In 2000, he was the joint recipient of the inaugural Prime Minister's Prize for Science. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of London and a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences.
His principal research areas have included molecular plant science, gene technology and modern agriculture. He has a long track record in ensuring that basic research is taken to its end point in terms of applications in agriculture and other industries.
Dr Peacock has a personal interest in school science education. He has, for many years, been Chairman of the Academy's School Biology Committee which has overseen the production of school text books.
Looking forward to his term as President, Dr Peacock said, "I will be working hard throughout the next four years to promote the role of science in contributing to Australia's prosperity.
"Immediate challenges include the higher education review and the setting of national research priorities. These are vital issues for Australia's scientific, economic and social future and wise leadership is imperative from our decision makers. I will be ensuring that the Academy continues to contribute significantly to the process of wise decision making in this country."
Item provided courtesy of Australian Academy of Science
