Academy admits ARC head Sara

Australian Research Council (ARC) CEO Prof Vicki Sara has been admitted by special election as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, for her contribution to recent government reforms and initiatives.

Fellows are generally elected to the academy for their significant contribution to scientific research but two special elections every three years are for other contributions to science.

"I was elected for the difference I have made to science regarding policy and funding, which led to a reformed Australian Research Council (ARC) that now has double the funding," Sara said.

"I am delighted that my peers have recognised my contributions. This is a very special honour and I'm in good company."

Last year, Chief Scientist Dr Robin Batterham was admitted to the academy by special election for his contribution to the Backing Australia's Ability initiative.

As the former chair of the ARC, Sara was the driving force behind the reforms that led to the establishment of a new ARC in July 2001, with its own legislation under the ARC Act.

She said by becoming an independent authority, the ARC had secured its future.

Coming up to the end of her first year as the new ARC's CEO, Sara said she was passionate about the job. "At this stage of its development I think I am adding value to the organisation," she said.

The ARC's new independent status brought with it more responsibility and accountability, she said. Recently, she set up a corporate structure within the ARC with a board that has representatives from industry, academe, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Department of Education Science and Training, and Batterham.

"[The new ARC structure] will enable us to improve national coordination in our policy and funding advice," she said.

Sara has also been instrumental in ensuring the implementation of Backing Australia Ability initiatives, which brought in an additional $734 million to the ARC's funding for research grants across all disciplines.

In 2005/6 the ARC will have $540 million funding for research grants, she said.

As a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Sara said she was looking forward to contributing to discussion and debates in science with its group of distinguished and prominent scientists.

Sara is also vice-chair of the OECD's Global Science Forum, a member of the Board of CSIRO and a member of the Cooperative Research Centres committee.