Chancellor of the University of Canberra Lisa Paul AO PSM has been recognised by the Australian Academy of Science today for advancing the cause of research and higher education in Australia.
She joins distinguished Academy Medal recipients including former Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Bob Hawke (1990), Dr Norman Swan (2004), Professor Mike Gore (2006), Professor Megan Clarke (2019) and Kim Carr (2022).
The Academy Medal is awarded to a person outside the Academy's Fellowship who has, by sustained efforts in the public domain, significantly advanced the cause of science and technology in Australia or who has made a substantial contribution to the Academy by means other than research.
Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC said Ms Paul's commitment and contribution to advancing policy in higher education, science, research and innovation stood out across her many years of service.
"She has also made a significant and sustained contribution to the governance of the Academy as Chair of our Audit Committee for the past six years," Professor Jagadish said.
"Ms Paul's personal values of equity and access for all align with the Academy as we continue our work to improve pathways for equity and diversity in STEM."
Ms Paul said she was honoured to receive the award.
"It is a huge honour to be acknowledged in this way by the Academy, and to be part of such a prestigious cohort of previous Medal recipients," Ms Paul said.
"It has been a great privilege to serve the Academy. The Academy's Fellows have each made an outstanding contribution to our nation. We should all be proud of the impact their research has made.
"The Academy is called upon often by governments and others for its impartial advice on science, for example on climate or bushfire recovery. The Academy is a huge asset for Australians."
Throughout her career, Ms Paul said she has championed the importance of bridging the worlds of research and policymaking.
"It has been an honour to do this both through my support of the Academy and as Chancellor of the University of Canberra," she said.
