Prof. Ian Falconer, Faculty of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Australia
Ian R. Falconer AO, DSC, is an Emeritus Professor and a distinguished Australian scientist specializing in biochemistry, toxicology, and environmental health. He holds degrees from the University of Nottingham and the University of Aberdeen, including a Doctor of Science from Nottingham. Throughout his academic career, he has held prestigious positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Adelaide and Foundation Professor of Biochemistry at the University of New England. He has made significant contributions to water quality research, particularly in cyanobacterial toxicity and health risk assessment, serving as a consultant for organizations such as WHO and USEPA. A Fellow of multiple scientific institutes, he was honored as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006. With over 240 scientific publications and editorial roles in environmental toxicology, his expertise has shaped international policies on water safety. His research has been supported by substantial grants, furthering the understanding of endocrine disruptors and cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water
Professional Profile:
SCOPUS
Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Ian R. Falconer AO, DSc, Emeritus Professor
Professor Ian R. Falconer has an outstanding academic and research career spanning multiple decades, with significant contributions to biochemistry, environmental toxicology, and higher education leadership. His global influence, editorial roles, and policy advisory experience make him a highly accomplished researcher.
🎓 Education
- B.Sc. (First Class Honours) – University of Nottingham, 1957
- Ph.D. – University of Aberdeen, 1960
- Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) – University of Nottingham, 1971
- Theology Diploma – Australian College of Theology, 1990
💼 Work Experience
- University of Adelaide
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic (1992-1997)
- Honorary Visiting Fellow, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences
- University of New England
- Foundation Professor of Biochemistry (1972-1992)
- Head, School of Biological Sciences (1974-1976, 1978-1982)
- Chair, Academic Board (1983-1985)
- Pro Vice-Chancellor (1988-1990)
- Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences (1990-1992)
- University of Nottingham – Lecturer, then Reader (1965-1972)
- University of Adelaide (Waite Institute) – Lecturer (1960-1964)
🏆 Awards & Honors
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) 🇦🇺 – 2006
- Sijic Penghargaan, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia 🎖️ – 1984
- Honorary Doctor of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand 🏅 – 1990
- Life Member, Clare Hall, University of Cambridge 🎓 – 1987
- Emeritus Professor, University of New England 🏅 – 1996
🎖 Achievements & Contributions
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) 🔬
- Fellow of the Australian Institute of Biology (Past President) 🧬
- Associate Editor, Environmental Toxicology (2000-2005) ✍️
- Consultant for water quality & toxicology, focusing on cyanobacterial toxins & health risk assessment 💧⚕️
- Over 240 scientific publications in biochemistry, endocrinology, toxicology, & environmental health 📚
- Research grants totaling over $1 million for studies on cyanobacterial toxins & carcinogenicity 💰
- International Co-Chair of International Symposia on Toxicity Assessment (2000-2010) 🌎
- Member of expert panels for WHO, IARC, USEPA, NH&MRC, MDBC 🏛️
Publication Top Notes:
Toxicity of the cyanobacterium Limnothrix AC0243 to male Balb/c mice
Cyanobacteria: Impacts of climate change on occurrence, toxicity and water quality management
Health risk assessment for cyanobacterial toxins in seafood
Interaction of the cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin with the eukaryotic protein synthesis system
Health effects associated with controlled exposures to cyanobacterial toxins.
Cyanobacterial toxins present in Microcystis aeruginosa extracts-More than microcystins!