Media release

From: Australian Academy of Science

One of the world’s most respected neurologists whose pioneering work changed the way we think about epilepsy will become the next President of the Australian Academy of Science – Australia’s leading independent voice for science.

Laureate Professor Sam Berkovic AC FAA FAHMS FRS, from the University of Melbourne and formerly Director of the Epilepsy Research Centre at Austin Health, has been elected by his peers as the 21st President of the Academy.

Professor Berkovic says he feels honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Academy and thanks the Academy Fellowship for the trust they have placed in him.

“Bringing science to the service of the nation so that everyone can benefit from it will be paramount during my presidency,” says Professor Berkovic.

“Australians are experiencing mass disruption in the form of rapid technological change, climate impacts and shifts in the way we engage with the world due to geopolitical tensions. Science is central to each of these, and it will be important that the Academy rises to these challenges.

“I’m driven to ensure politicians and other decision-makers – locally and abroad – can draw on the science sector to guide their decisions.

“I am conscious that I take the reins of this esteemed institution at a time when investment in research and development is at a historic low.

“I look forward to building on the advocacy of President Jagadish on this issue and to propose solutions so Australia can build an R&D system able to support our national interests.”

About Professor Berkovic’s research 

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people worldwide and is characterised by recurrent seizures.

Thirty years ago, doctors regarded most forms of epilepsy as acquired rather than inherited. That was until Professor Berkovic, together with molecular genetic collaborators in Adelaide and Germany, discovered the first gene for epilepsy in 1995.

Professor Berkovic’s own discoveries revolutionised basic scientific research into epilepsy. His research established the connection between genetics and epilepsy, with major global efforts now focused on gene discovery and understanding how genetic abnormalities cause seizures.

Life growing up 

Professor Berkovic's parents were Holocaust survivors who emigrated from Europe to Melbourne after the war. Like most migrants, says Professor Berkovic, his parents arrived with nothing, worked extremely hard and instilled in him the importance of a good education.

There was no scientific influence from Professor Berkovic’s parents, with his father importing jewellery and his mother managing the household. However, Berkovic showed an interest in medicine at a young age which was fostered and encouraged by his parents.

“There's an old joke that’s half true, certainly from my generation, which was that if you couldn't stand the sight of blood, you went into law,” Professor Berkovic told The Lancet Neurology.

Professor Berkovic studied medicine at the University of Melbourne and then landed his first job as an intern at Austin Hospital in 1975. A fascination with the brain led him to join the neurology department where he was inspired to pursue a research career in neurology by the late Professor Peter Bladin AO.

Professor Berkovic was introduced to genetics while studying epilepsy at McGill University in Montreal, Canada in the 1980s.

Awards and accolades from colleagues

Outgoing Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC says he is delighted Professor Berkovic has been elected as the next Academy President.

“Professor Berkovic’s journey from the child of Holocaust survivors to a world-leading researcher and clinician is powerful,” says Professor Jagadish.

“Sam is well known for his mentorship of young researchers and has put Australia at the forefront of global research into epilepsy while improving the lives of people around the globe.”

In 2014, Professor Berkovic won the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science alongside Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO PresAAHMS FAA FRS, for their groundbreaking work in epilepsy and its genetic links. 

The following year he was recognised as the Victorian Senior Australian of the Year.

Professor Berkovic was elected a Fellow of the Academy in 2005, a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2007, and a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine (USA) in 2017 for his outstanding contributions to science.

He formerly served on the Academy’s Council as a Member for Biological Sciences and on various committees.

Professor Berkovic will officially become the 21st President of the Academy in May 2026.

The Australian Academy of Science is an independent organisation of distinguished Australian scientists, championing science for the benefit of all.