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Advisory Council Biographies

Professor Ross Milbourne
Ross Milbourne received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of NSW, and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. His research interests have been in the general area of macroeconomics and, in particular, the mathematical modelling and statistical testing of macroeconomic theories. During the last decade his research has focused on economic growth in open economies – economies that allow free international movement of goods and capital. This work has led to an interest in technology diffusion and transfer. His most recent work has related this to higher education policy in Australia, by estimating the effect of government funding reductions on human capital.

His previous appointments include Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of New South Wales, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Adelaide and Chair of the Research Grants Committee of the Australian Research Council. He is currently chair of the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Committee.

Dr Jim Peacock AC
Dr Jim Peacock was appointed Australian Chief Scientist in March 2006. Dr Peacock is an outstanding scientist with a record of academic excellence and is highly respected by the science, engineering and technology community. Dr Peacock is an award winning molecular biologist and fervent science advocate. He is recognised internationally as an eminent researcher in the field of plant molecular biology and its applications in agriculture.

In 1994, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for outstanding service to science. Dr Peacock is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Fellow of The Royal Society of London, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences and a Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy. In 2000 he was a co-recipient of the inaugural Prime Minister's Science Prize. He was also awarded the BHP Bicentennial Prize for the pursuit of excellence in science and technology and the Australian Academy of Science's Burnett Medal

Dr Peacock is a strong advocate for the integration of science and global business. He drives innovative communication efforts to inform the general public as to the outcomes and value of modern science. He has brought the excitement of science to a broad cross-section of the community and to Australian school students.

Mr. Kevin Skelton
Kevin Skelton joined Merrill Lynch in 1986 and is Chairman of Investment Banking in Australia.

Kevin has 25 years experience in investment banking, including 20 years with Merrill Lynch. Kevin has worked in Merrill Lynch’s New York, London, Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne offices where he has been responsible for domestic and cross-border corporate advisory, equity issues and debt financings. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Kevin worked in the commercial banking industry, principally in strategic planning and treasury for 8 years.

Kevin holds an Economics degree from the University of Western Australia, has completed post-graduate studies in business and computing at Curtin University, is a member of the Business Council of Australia, an Associate of the Securities Institute of Australia and is a Stanford University Alumni.