Lisa Jones FASP 2017

Lisa Jones has worked for the Australian Society for Parasitology since 2005 and is currently its Executive Officer. She was awarded a Fellowship of the Society by Professor David Emery, President of the ASP, at the 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting in Leura, NSW.

Citation

Lisa Jones has four degrees. She received a BSc in Biochemistry and Pharmacology from the University of Adelaide in 1991, a Grad. Dip. in Scientific Communication from the Australian National University in 1992, a Masters Degree in Public Health, from the University of Adelaide in 1999 and a Masters Degree in Business Administration, from James Cook University in 2017. Prior to joining the Australian Society for Parasitology in 2005, as Coordinator of Communications & Strategic Development for the ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology, Lisa was already a highly accomplished project manager and science communicator. For example, she managed the London Science Museum (SM) Outreach programme and established the the Research Governance Framework for Surrey Social Services in the UK.

Lisa has outstanding communication skills and her background in science and genuine passion for science communication has made her an invaluable asset to parasitology in Australia. Lisa has played a key managerial role as coordinator of the ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology for over a decade. The Network comprised over 400 researchers spread over 30 universities and research institutes all over Australia. In her role as coordinator she was responsible for financial management of >$3 million dollars. She prepared budgets for funding applications, monitored and managed the income and expenditure, prepared financial reports, ensured transparent financial responsibility, ensured all payment deadlines were met and projects delivered on-time and on-budget, and maintained accurate, easily accessible and auditable records.

She also worked to develop policies and strategies for effective communication, transparency and accountability in all decision-making, development and implementation of research funding schemes, and for organisation of a major annual conference (with its own operating budget of $250,000-300,000 per year). She worked closely with the ARC and NHMRC (who initially co-funded the Network), OzeMalaR (an NHMRC-funded initiative, within the Network for Parasitology, that facilitated collaborative research between Australian and European malariologists and EviMalaR (a European Union-funded Centre of Excellence).

The Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. took over funding of the Network in 2010. Lisa built the business case for this as well as business cases for funding for the OzeMalaR initiative ($800,000), conference sponsorship (~$300,000), and various outreach initiatives including “Parasites in Focus” ($60,000) “and “Parasites in Power” (an Inspiring Australia project worth $30,000). She was also instrumental in the Inspiring Australia/ ASP funded art-science project Gula Guri mayin (which means “Heal the body”) and which explores themes of parasites and health in Indigenous Australian communities. The art work has been featured at the 2015 National Science Week and numerous conferences throughout Australia.

Lisa has been, without question, one of the most loyal and hard-working servants of the Australian Society for Parasitology in all its history. She has inspired scientists across Australia to engage with the public in ways they never imagined possible, using several communication methods including: public lectures; Q&A fora; workshops; and interactive exhibitions. Her efforts, enthusiasm and innovations have been recognised by continuous funding from Inspiring Australia, a Commonwealth Government initiative, since 2012.

Lisa’s first Inspiring Australia project was “Parasites in Power”, which started in Launceston (July, 2012), with a public forum on the novelty and impact of parasites in Australian wildlife. She has since organized numerous public projects including Parasitology Kids Club”, public Q & A sessions such as Profs and Pints and Parasites, Pets and You”. She organized “The Hidden Zoo” an exhibition of high-resolution parasite images, which has been displayed across Australia. Lisa has also won National Science Week grants in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to run “National Science Week at the Tanks” featuring inspiring researchers and interactive exhibits. In 2015, she won a grant to host the launch event for National Science Week in Queensland. Clearly, Lisa has inspired and fostered a truly stunning success in community engagement

In her more recent role as executive officer for the ASP, she ensures the smooth running of the society by providing operational leadership, strategic advice and governance support to the ASP Executive and Council. She has been instrumental in developing the ASP strategic plan and leads budget planning and quality management for the ASP. She is also responsible for all communication activities including scientific meetings, publications, media and outreach. Lisa has also revolutionised the ASP’s Newsletter and conferences, making them highly anticipated events.

Lisa is inspiring, positive and enthusiastic and has a special ability to communicate a vision and strategies to achieve that vision. The society would struggle to function without her and we owe her a great debt.

In view of her outstanding contributions to science, parasitology and the society, Lisa Jones would be an extremely worthy recipient of the title, Fellow of the Australian Society for Parasitology.