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.
Professor Koopman has joined leading Australian scientists such as Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt on the Council of the Australian Academy of Science.
The Australian Academy of Science, comprising about 450 of Australia’s top physical and biological scientists, aims to lift the profile of science and influence government policy.
Professor Koopman said he was honoured and enthusiastic about the opportunity as a member of the Council to guide science policy at a national level.
“I am looking forward to the chance to advise government and foster links between Australian and international scientists,” Professor Koopman said.
President of the Council Professor Suzanne Cory 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.
Professor Koopman is an internationally recognised expert in developmental biology, a foundational research that informs advances in cancer, birth defects and pest management.
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.
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.
The Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by Australian Fellows of the Royal Society of London.
The Academy’s objectives are to promote science through activities ranging from recognising outstanding contributions to science, education and public awareness, science policy and international relations.
The group’s Council meets quarterly to manage Academy business.
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 or collaborate with Professor Koopman’s laboratory, please call (07) 3346 2132 or email advancement@imb.uq.edu.au
Media contact: Gemma Ward, IMB – (07) 3346 2155.
