Dr Jim Peacock ‘Can Plants Meet the Challenge of the Food Needed for the World’s Growing Population’

Jim, a CSIRO Fellow and former Australian Chief Scientist, is a leader in plant molecular biology, has made a significant contribution to Australian science, agribusiness and science education in schools.  His talk will focus on the critical question, can plants meet the challenge of the food needed to meet the world’s growing population?

Abstract

Jim, a leader in plant molecular biology, has made a significant contribution to Australian science, agribusiness and science education in schools.  His talk will focus on the critical question, can plants meet the challenge of the food needed to meet the world’s growing population?

Biography

Dr Jim Peacock, AC, FAA, FRS, FTSE, FAIAST: Jim is an outstanding leader in plant molecular biology, he has made significant contributions to Australian science, agribusiness and science education in schools. He is a CSIRO Fellow, Chief of the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry from 1978 to 2003, Australia's Chief Scientist from 2006 to 2008, President of the Australian Academy of Science between 2002 and 2006.  His many national and international awards include the Prime Minister's Prize for Science. 

Dr Peacock’s commitment to science and his belief in its benefits for industry and society and his willingness to speak in public, bringing the excitement of modern science, have been of enormous benefit to Australia.  He has championed a primary school program linking science and literacy, he established the Discovery Centre which showcases CSIRO research activities to students and the general public.

Dr Peacock has made significant contributions to science policy and administration, science education, original research and promoting the application of basic research to industry, particularly agriculture.  His research interests include molecular plant science, genomics and gene technology. In gene technology research he was responsible for the development of insect resistant cotton in Australia removing the dependence on agrichemicals, the first isolation of a plant transposable element, the isolation of stress protection genes and the demonstration of genetic and epigenetic controls of flowering in Arabidopsis and cereals.  His achievements in plant science include the development of low GI fibre variety of barley.  Dr Peacock was instrumental in the foundation of several agricultural companies and joint ventures including the Gene Shears Company.  He has been involved in science policy advisory committees nationally and internationally.