Notable awards AO (2014) Name Sue Meek | Fields Science | |
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Institutions Australian Academy of Science Institution Australian Academy of Science | ||
Dr Sue Meek, AO FAICD FTSE is the principal of Sue Meek and Associates. 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.
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From 2008 to 2016 Meek was the Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science providing leadership to the Academy Secretariat in developing and delivering programs and projects to promote excellence in scientific research nationally and internationally. In her role with the Academy, Meek also aimed 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 holds 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 role at the Academy, Dr Sue Meek was Australia's inaugural Gene Technology Regulator from December 2001. 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.
Before 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:
Awards
Dr Sue Meek has received the following awards: