HONORED CRITIC. One of Australia's most vocal proponents of genetically modified (GM) food crops has been named the government's chief scientist. Plant molecular biologist Jim Peacock, 68, is widely recognized for leading the plant industry division of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to international respect during his 25-year stint as head.
The current president of the Australian Academy of Science, Peacock is no stranger to controversy. Four years after receiving a share of the first Prime Minister's Science Prize in 2000, Miller publicly challenged the administration's overemphasis on "the delivery end of science," warning that "we should never neglect investment in fundamental science." Peacock has publicly supported GM food crops, even though all Australian state governments have imposed moratoria on planting them. And despite widespread public opposition to nuclear power, he recently suggested that nuclear plants may be a way to fight global warming.
"We applaud the appointment," says Gerard Sutton, vice-chancellor of the University of Wollongong and president of the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee, "and we expect to be able to work with him very effectively."
CREDIT: CSIRO
