Epilepsy pioneer elected President of Aust Academy of Science

The University of Melbourne’s Laureate Professor Sam Berkovic AC FAA FAHMS FRS has been elected as the 21st President of the Australian Academy of Science. Formerly Director of the Epilepsy Research Centre at Austin Health, Berkovic is considered one of the world’s most respected neurologists, whose pioneering work changed the way we think about epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people worldwide and is characterised by recurrent seizures. 30 years ago, doctors regarded most forms of epilepsy as acquired rather than inherited — that was until Berkovic, together with molecular genetic collaborators in Adelaide and Germany, discovered the first gene for epilepsy in 1995.

Berkovic’s own discoveries revolutionised basic scientific research into epilepsy. His research established the connection between genetics and epilepsy, with major global efforts now focused on gene discovery and understanding how genetic abnormalities cause seizures.

Outgoing Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC said he is delighted that Berkovic has been elected as his successor.

“Professor Berkovic’s journey from the child of Holocaust survivors to a world-leading researcher and clinician is powerful,” Jagadish said.

“Sam is well known for his mentorship of young researchers and has put Australia at the forefront of global research into epilepsy while improving the lives of people around the globe.”

Berkovic was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Science in 2005 (and has previously served on the Academy’s Council as a Member for Biological Sciences), a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2007, and a Member of the US National Academy of Medicine in 2017 for his outstanding contributions to science. In 2014, he won the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science alongside Professor Ingrid Scheffer for their groundbreaking work in epilepsy and its genetic links. The following year, he was recognised as the Victorian Senior Australian of the Year.

With his presidency set to officially commence in May 2026, Berkovic said he feels honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Academy and thanked the Academy Fellowship for the trust they have placed in him.

“Bringing science to the service of the nation so that everyone can benefit from it will be paramount during my presidency,” he said.

“Australians are experiencing mass disruption in the form of rapid technological change, climate impacts and shifts in the way we engage with the world due to geopolitical tensions. Science is central to each of these, and it will be important that the Academy rises to these challenges.

“I am conscious that I take the reins of this esteemed institution at a time when investment in research and development is at a historic low.

“I look forward to building on the advocacy of President Jagadish on this issue and to propose solutions so Australia can build an R&D system able to support our national interests.”

Image caption: Laureate Professor Sam Berkovic. Image credit: Australian Academy of Science.