Six people with academic specialties ranging from chemistry to the creative arts have been added by the Gillard government to the Australian Research Council.
The council advises the government on investment in research and development, manages the National Competitive Grants Program and oversees the Excellence in Research for Australia program.
The new members are:
- Peter Buckskin, dean of the College of Indigenous Education and Research at the University of South Australia.
- Stephen Garton, history professor and deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Sydney.
- Margaret M. Harding, chemistry professor and vice-chancellor at the University of New South Wales.
- Paul Johnson, associate professor of biology at the University of Melbourne and deputy director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Austin Health.
- Amanda Lawson, dean of creative arts at the University of Woolongong.
- Ian Young, vice-chancellor of the Swinburne University of Technology.
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said council membership was being expanded from seven to 10. The new members join continuing councilors David Siddle, Robyn Owens, Robyn Baker and chairwoman Margaret Sheil.