Elizabeth Finkel is the Australian Society of Medical Research’s 2019 medallist. A biochemist by training, she co-founded science magazine Cosmos, which she edited 2013-18. ASMR states, science communication “is the most important bridge between scientists, the community and policy makers,” and “recognises Dr Finkel’s work and highlights her position as “a pioneer and leader of this field.”

Katherine Woodthorpe is the new chair of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre. She replaces founding chair, the late Laurie Hammond. Dr Woodthorpe is present chair of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC and the HEARing CRC, both appointments end in June.

At the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Neal Peres Da Costa is promoted to associate dean, research. He joined the Con in 2006.