Science diplomat to lead International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific

A science diplomat with extensive global experience in strategic management of science relationships across governments, non-government organisations, industry and academia, has been appointed Director for the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific led by the Australian Academy of Science.

Ronit Prawer has taken over the role from Dr Petra Lundgren having returned to Australia from Boston, United States, where she was Director, Science and Innovation at the British Consulate in charge of strategic management of the US–UK bilateral science relationships.

A Fellow of the Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge, Ronit will lead the five-year Australian Government funded International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific programme at the Australian Academy of Science aimed at ensuring the unique and underrepresented needs and priorities of the region are integrated into the global scientific dialogue with two flagship programmes of work.

In October 2024 the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific supported the successful launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences and the appointment of 12 eminent Pacific Islands Foundation Fellows in Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.  

President of the Australian Academy of Science, Distinguished Professor Chennupati Jagadish and President of the International Science Council, Sir Peter Gluckman, welcomed Ronit to the team as the Regional Focal Point takes the critical step towards establishing an Asia Science Mission Program for sustainability in 2025.

“The region strongly endorses the proposed pathway laid out by the Global Commission on Science Missions for Sustainability in its call to deploy well-funded and truly transdisciplinary programmes and we are working with Members of the International Science Council to develop a science mission for our region,” Professor Jagadish said. “I believe the depth of experience in science diplomacy, strategic programme management and policy development that Ronit brings to the Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific at this stage will be invaluable.”  

“We are facing a critical time in history when the depth and breadth of science in the region needs to work together to ensure evidence-based advice is considered in government policy and decision-making in an age of mis- and disinformation,” Sir Peter Gluckman said. “I congratulate the Australian Academy on this outstanding appointment and look forward to supporting Ms Prawer in leading the Asia-Pacific Focal Point for science.”

Ronit said she looked forward to working with scientists and scientific organisations in the region to improve outcomes for society’s most intractable challenges.

“I am honoured to join the International Science Council and the Australian Academy of Science as Director of the Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific,” Ms Prawer said. “Our region is home to incredible diversity, unique challenges, and exceptional scientific talent. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, borders, and communities, we can ensure that science contributes to sustainable solutions that benefit all societies. I look forward to working with scholars, policymakers, and partners to advance evidence-based decision-making and to champion the vital role of science in addressing our most pressing challenges.”

Ronit hails from Melbourne, Australia, where she achieved first-class honours in genetics and biotechnology. Ronit also holds a degree in English literature and French from the University of Melbourne, and a Master’s from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States.  She is a member of the Royal Society of Biology and the Institute of Science and Technology, and an associate member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences. In 2022 Ronit was selected to be a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

The Australian Academy of Science thanks Dr Petra Lungren for her distinguished service to the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific and her many achievements in the role.