Former Australian of the Year Professor Fiona Wood AM has been appointed to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) – Australia’s foremost science advisory body. 

Professor Wood is Director of the Burns Service of Western Australia and co-founder of the Fiona Wood Foundation.

Announcing her four-year appointment today, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Professor Wood’s background as a burns surgeon and researcher would complement the expertise of the NSTC.

“Professor Wood’s greatest contribution and enduring legacy is the development and commercialisation of the ‘spray-on skin’ technique, which greatly reduces permanent scarring in burns victims and is now used worldwide,” Minister Andrews said.

“Her experience as a medical practitioner, and in research and development will be an invaluable addition to the NSTC.  

“The Prime Minister and I created the NSTC to seek the counsel, guidance and independent advice of our science community. It brings together members with a diverse set of specialised skills, knowledge and expertise to help us address challenges and take advantage of opportunities for Australia.”

Professor Wood said the National Science and Technology Council is a vitally important component of Australia’s science and technology sector, connecting the scientific community and government at the highest levels.

“I am exceptionally excited to be joining my colleagues on the Council to help address the big challenges facing Australia,” Professor Wood said.

Professor Wood replaces Professor Ian Frazer AC on the NSTC. Professor Frazer has served as a member of the NSTC and its precursor, the Commonwealth Science Council, since 2014.

“Professor Frazer has been a significant contributor to the mission of both the NSTC and former Commonwealth Science Council,” Minister Andrews said.

“He will continue shaping the future of science and technology in Australia through his work as Chair of the Medical Research Future Fund Advisory Board, as a member of the Council of the National Health and Medical Research Council, and through his world-leading research.”

The Morrison Government has invested over $10 billion into science, research and innovation this financial year, as part of our plan to improve the competitiveness of Australian businesses and create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070