Leading Monash University scientists elected Fellows of Australian Academy of Science

Three prominent Monash University academics have been recognised among the nation’s most distinguished scientists for their outstanding contributions to Australia’s scientific community.

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Arthur Christopoulos; Head of the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at in the Monash Business School, Professor Rob Hyndman; and Faculty of Science Director of Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, Professor Steven Chown, are among the group of 22 scientists newly elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA).

Fellows of the Academy are leaders in their field, both in Australia and globally. They are nominated by their peers for work that has made a clear impact.

About the 2021 Monash University Australian Academy of Science Fellows:

Professor Arthur Christopoulos FAA FAHMS – Molecular pharmacologist Throughout his career as a pharmacist and molecular pharmacologist, Professor Christopoulos has become world-renowned for his pioneering discoveries of spatially distinct ‘allosteric’ drug binding sites on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest class of all medicinal targets. His research spans the interface of biology and chemistry with a particular therapeutic focus on neuropsychiatry, cardiometabolism, pain and addiction.

Professor Rob Hyndman FAA FASSA – Statistician (forecasting) Professor Hyndman is one of the world’s most recognised applied statisticians and his contribution to time series forecasting is acknowledged globally. His work includes demand forecasting for the electricity industry, estimating life expectancy for the Australian Indigenous population, and forecasting Australian tourism demand. Professor Hyndman is also the first researcher from Monash University to be elected as a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Science and the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.

Professor Steven Chown FAA – Antarctic ecologist Steven Chown’s work has led to major advances in understanding the nature, complexity and diversity of Antarctic life, and the threats posed to it from environmental change. He has revolutionised the way in which information on the environmental responses of animals is understood at global scales, unveiling not only the nature of adaptation, but also the way in which its limits constitute problems for life in changing circumstances. Professor Chown is regarded as a leader in science policy and conservation policy for the Antarctic.

The Australian Academy of Science provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science, and champions, celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science.