A science diplomat with extensive global experience in strategic management of science relationships across governments, non-government organisations, industry and academia has been appointed Director of the International Science Council (ISC) Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, led by the Australian Academy of Science.
Ronit Prawer has returned to Australia from Boston, United States, where she was Director, Science and Innovation at the British Consulate, in charge of strategic management of the US-UK bilateral science relationships.
A Fellow of the Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge, Ms Prawer will lead the five-year Australian Government-funded program aimed at ensuring the unique and underrepresented needs of the Asia-Pacific region are integrated into global scientific dialogue.
In October 2024, the Regional Focal Point supported the successful launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences and the appointment of 12 eminent Pacific Islands Foundation Fellows in Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
President of the Australian Academy of Science Distinguished Professor Chennupati Jagadish, and President of the International Science Council Sir Peter Gluckman, welcomed Ms Prawer to the team as the Regional Focal Point takes the critical step towards establishing an Asia Science Mission Program for sustainability in 2025.
"The region strongly endorses the proposed pathway laid out by the Global Commission on Science Missions for Sustainability in its call to deploy well-funded and truly transdisciplinary programs and we are working with members of the International Science Council to develop a science mission for our region," Professor Jagadish said.
"I believe the depth of experience in science diplomacy, strategic program management and policy development that Ms Prawer brings to the Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific at this stage will be invaluable."
The ISC is a non-governmental organisation that brings together more than 200 international scientific unions, associations, and national and regional scientific organisations including academies and research councils.
The Asia-Pacific membership of the ISC extends across 26 nations. Australia has hosted the program since 2023, deepening engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing Australia's science capabilities and strengthening our position as a collaborative leader in the region.
"We are facing a critical time in history when the depth and breadth of science in the region needs to work together to ensure evidence-based advice is considered in government policy and decision-making in an age of mis- and disinformation," Sir Peter Gluckman said.
"I congratulate the Australian Academy on this outstanding appointment and look forward to supporting Ms Prawer in leading the Asia-Pacific Focal Point for science."
Ms Prawer said she looked forward to working with scientists and scientific organisations in the region to improve outcomes for society's most intractable challenges.
"I am honoured to join the International Science Council and the Australian Academy of Science as Director of the Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific," Ms Prawer said.
"Our region is home to incredible diversity, unique challenges, and exceptional scientific talent. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, borders and communities, we can ensure that science contributes to sustainable solutions that benefit all societies. I look forward to working with scholars, policymakers, and partners to advance evidence-based decision-making and to champion the vital role of science in addressing our most pressing challenges."
Ms Prawer hails from Melbourne, Australia, where she achieved first-class honours in genetics and biotechnology. She also holds a degree in English literature and French from the University of Melbourne, and a master's in law and diplomacy from Tufts University in the United States.
In 2022, Ms Prawer was selected to be a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
The Australian Academy of Science thanks Dr Petra Lundgren for her distinguished service to the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific and her many achievements in the role.
