Researchers pay tribute to stem cell review chair

The research community has paid tribute to Justice John Lockhart, the chair of a recently concluded review of Australia's stem cell legislation, who died in Sydney on Friday after a brief illness.

Dr Hugh Niall, CEO of the Australian Stem Cell Centre, said Lockhart's contribution to the review was both welcome and insightful.

"At the Australian Stem Cell Centre we feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with John Lockhart during the review process last year," Niall said. "It is a shame that we will not have the benefit of his considered opinion as we enter into the parliamentary discussion due to begin in the coming months."

Prof Bob Williamson, chair of the Australian Academy of Science's National Committee for Medicine, said it was "tragic" that Lockhart died after putting a comprehensive effort into updating Australia's stem cell laws. "It is a pity he will not be able to continue to advocate these important reforms," he said.

Prof Bernie Tuch, director of the Diabetes Transplant Unit at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital, said Professor of Medicine, University of New South Wales, described Lockhart as "a great Australian who was a clear thinker and an exceptionally good writer, even in areas which were not his forte."

Prof John White, the Australian Academy of Science's spokesman on stem cell research, said Australia had lost "a very distinguished man who has done his duty in all respects," especially in respect to the stem cell review.

"His report addressed matters of immense concern to all Australians and was conducted with great care," White said. "The Australian Academy of Science regrets his death and extends condolences to his family."