Professor Peter Koopman from The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) has been elected to the Council of the premier national science body.
The Australian Academy of Science is an elite group of around 450 of Australia’s top physical and biological scientists.
The Council meets quarterly to manage Academy business, and includes leading Australian scientists such as Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt.
Professor Koopman was elected a Fellow of the Academy in 2008. Election as a Fellow recognises a career that has significantly advanced the world scientific knowledge.
Professor Koopman is an internationally-recognised expert in developmental biology, a foundational research area that informs advances in cancer, birth defects and pest management.
Since being elected to the Academy, Professor Koopman has served as a member of its Asia Exchange Committee, International Program Selection Committee, Membership Sectional Committee for Molecular and Cell Biology, and Chair of the Boden Conference Selection Committee.
“Being elected to the Council is an excellent opportunity to guide science policy at a national level,” Professor Koopman said.
“I am looking forward to the chance to advise government and foster links between Australian and international scientists.”
Professor Suzanne Cory, President of the Council, welcomed Professor Koopman and the other newly-elected Council members.
“We are delighted to have such high-calibre new members of Council and thank the equally well credentialed outgoing members for their dedication and commitment to the Academy’s mission to promote excellence in Australian science,” Professor Cory said.
The Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by Australian Fellows of the Royal Society of London.
Its objectives are to promote science through a range of activities, in four major program areas, in recognition of outstanding contributions to science, education and public awareness, science policy, and international relations.
The Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) is a research institute of The University of Queensland that aims to improve quality of life by advancing personalised medicine, drug discovery and biotechnology.
For more information, to donate to or collaborate with Professor Koopman’s laboratory, please call (07) 3346 2132 or email advancement@imb.uq.edu.au
Media contact: Bronwyn Adams, IMB Communications Officer – 0418 575 247 or (07) 3346 2134
