Chancellor announced as patron

Monash University Chancellor, Dr Alan Finkel AM, has been appointed the Australian patron of the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC).

Dr Finkel has a long involvement with science and the media through his own work in neuroscience and engineering and as co-founder of the multi award winning science magazine,COSMOS.

CEO of AusSMC Dr Susannah Eliott said Dr Finkel bridges many sectors in Australia with his background in research, business and media.

“Alan is well positioned to help the centre in its mission to bring more evidence-based science to the public through the media,” Dr Eliott said.

Chairman of AusSMC Peter Yates said he was delighted and honoured that Dr Finkel has agreed to become the Australian patron of the centre.

“We are very privileged to have two such distinguished people as patrons – Alan Finkel as our Australian patron and Professor Susan Greenfield as our international patron,” Mr Yates said.

Baroness Greenfield a neuroscientist, writer, and broadcaster, is a Professor of Pharmacology at Oxford University.

Dr Finkel will be welcomed as patron by South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill at an event hosted by Flinders University in Adelaide today.

Dr Finkel is a Fellow and President of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (ATSE). He formerly held governance roles at the ATSE Clunies Ross Foundation in child-abuse research and medical research. Dr Finkel currently serves as the CEO of Stile Education Pty Ltd and as the Chairman of the Australian Centre of Excellence for All-Sky Astrophysics.

Dr Finkel was recently re-appointed Chancellor of Monash University.

Information about AusSMC can be found on their website.