Suzanne Cory to head Australian Academy of Science

One of Australia's most influential cancer researchers has taken over the reigns - or is that the gavel - of the Australian Academy of Science.

Professor Suzanne Cory, former director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and professor of medical biology at the University of Melbourne from 1996 to 2009, has taken over the role as president of the AAS from professor Kurt Lambeck as of last Friday.

Cory is a luminary in Australian science, and is one of the most cited Australian researchers, according to a 2008 survey by Thomson Scientific, with her achieving an astounding 463.89 per paper.

Cory is also only the second ever woman to head up the AAS, an institution typically dominated by male scientists.

"I feel very honoured to have been elected as President. At the same time, I am very conscious that it is a great responsibility," said Cory in a statement.

"We live in an increasingly challenging global environment and I believe that Australia’s future will in large measure be determined by its capability in the sciences and engineering. The Academy must therefore play a major leadership role."

Professor Doug Hilton, present head of the WEHI, expressed praise for Cory's achievements at the institute. “We at the institute are immensely proud of this latest of Suzanne’s achievements,” he said.

“Suzanne has an international reputation for her contributions to our understanding of apoptosis, the process of cell death; and has led by example in demonstrating the valuable contribution women make to scientific endeavour."

Cory has an impressive resume, including the Australia Prize, the Charles S. Mott Prize of the General Motors Cancer Research Foundation, the Royal Medal of The Royal Society and a L'Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Award.

She was elected to the Australian Academy of Science in 1986 and the Royal Society in 1992. She is also an elected member of the US National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the French Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

In 1999 she was appointed Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia and in 2009 she was awarded the French decoration of Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur.

Being a cancer researcher, she is also intimately familiar with the trials and potential of the life sciences.

Australian Life Scientist would like to congratulate Suzanne Cory on her election by her peers to this prestigious station.