Sue Meek
Sue Meek | |
---|---|
Fields | Science |
Institutions | Australian Academy of Science |
Notable awards | AO (2014) |
Dr Sue Meek, AO, FTSE has been the Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science since May 2008. She has over 30 years of experience working in a variety of capacities at the interface of industry, academe and government. Her particular interests are in promoting awareness and understanding of science and technology, and the formulation of policies and programs to stimulate the conduct and application of strategic research and development.
Meek provides leadership to the Academy Secretariat in developing and delivering programs and projects that aim to promote excellence in scientific research nationally and internationally. In her role with the Academy, Meek also aims to develop and sustain a national scientific culture, and provide valued independent scientific advice to assist evidence-based policy development and program design.
Dr Meek says "Increased understanding of science in the community will help people to feel empowered to participate in debate and make informed choices on its use, and to better evaluate information that is presented by others."
Education
Dr Sue Meek is qualified with the following undergraduate and post-graduate degrees:
1982 - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marine Biology at the James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. Meek's PhD research focussed on the growth and regeneration of a fast-growing, branching coral species. She was funded under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.
1976 - Master of Science (MSc) in Oceanography at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom (UK). Meek completed course work in both physical and biological oceanography and research into the metabolism of enclosed marine microbial populations. She was funded by the Natural Environmental Research and Development Council.
1975 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Microbiology at the University of Surrey in the UK. Meek majored in medical bacteriology and virology and researched the structure and composition of dental plaque.
Career
Prior to her current position, Dr Sue Meek was Australia's inaugural Gene Technology Regulator from December 2001.[1] This statutory appointment was established by the Australian Federal Government to administer the national regulatory system for the development and use of genetically modified organisms.
Prior to this Meek held senior State Government positions in South Australia and Western Australia where she was responsible for the development and implementation of policies on science and technology and public sector intellectual property management; the administration of grant programs to support innovation and develop research capabilities; and the formulation of strategies to support emerging R&D intensive, emerging industries such as aquaculture, biotechnology and renewable energy. In the industry sphere, Meek has principally been involved with environmental consultancies and the establishment of biologically-based business ventures.
Dr Meek says "The advancement of scientific knowledge is a highly competitive process that is increasingly happening at the interface of research disciplines in interdisciplinary teams that collaborate closely with international colleagues."
Current board service
Dr Sue Meek current serves on the following boards and committees:
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment Advisory Council (part of International Life Sciences Institute Research Foundation) (Chair).
- Australian Council of Learned Academies Secretariat Pty Ltd.
- Bioplatforms Australia Ltd (Director).
- Australian Biological Resources Study Advisory Committee.
Awards
Dr Sue Meek has received the following awards:
- Appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (2014).[2]
- James Cook University Outstanding Alumni (2010).
- AusBiotech Chairman's Public Sector Award (2006).
- CSIRO Significant Achievement Award (2005).
- Elected to Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2005).
References
- ↑ Media Release - NEW GENE TECHNOLOGY REGULATOR TAKES UP POSITION, OGTR, 2000
- ↑ "Australia Day Honours 2014". Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
External links
- Honours to Academy Staff.
- Australia Day Honours 2014, ATSE.
- Dr Sue Meek on LinkedIn.
- James Cook University Alumni - Dr Sue Meek.