Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Les Field has been elected to the Council of the Australian Academy of Science, as Secretary for Science Policy.

An internationally recognised expert in organometallic chemistry, Professor Field will join the Council for the second time from May 2013. He will take over from Professor Bob Williamson of the University of Melbourne.

As Secretary for Science Policy, Professor Field will be the main point of contact coordinating advice to government on behalf of the Academy.

His new role was one of a number of high-profile appointments announced this week by the Academy.

“We are delighted to have such high calibre new members of Council and thank the equally well credentialed outgoing members for their dedication and commitment to the Academy’s mission to promote excellence in Australian science,” said Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory.