People profile - Making science fun
Before becoming Queensland's Chief Scientist in 2003, Professor Peter Andrews authored over 100 publications, founded six companies and led scientific teams working in drug design and development. Alana Scheikowski meets a grandfather of six boys under four who admits he doesn't own a car, a laptop or a watch.
Where were you born?
In the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, the day the Japanese sailed their mini submarines into Sydney Harbour during WWII. Along with all the other babies I was taken outside onto the lawn, and they put tin baths over us so we wouldn't get shot. I spent the first day of my life in a home-made bomb shelter!
What is it like working as a scientist in Queensland?
I'm delighted by the extent to which the community and government appreciate the value of science. Not just in terms of economic development, but the fact that it underpins so much of our health and wealth, and the quality of our environment.
What was your first job?
A drink waiter in a hotel in Victoria. It was my introduction to the idea of free trade. Instead of taking orders then crossing a crowded dance floor to fetch drinks, I recognised most of the people were dying of thirst, so I'd just buy 40 beers at a time and resell them on the other side of the floor.
What is the high point of your career, so far?
Establishing the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at UQ along with John Mattick. And becoming the Queensland Chief Scientist. That has been tremendous fun as well as giving me the opportunity to have an impact on economic and social issues.
Who is your greatest influence and how did they influence you?
During my career there have been several people who have shown me that you should not be limited by your comfort zone. Go after the things you want one way or another, and don't be afraid to learn new skills. Gaining new knowledge, in whatever form, is exciting.
How do you unwind or switch off?
I walk for an hour every morning. It's a great time to think. I also spend a fair bit of time with my six grandchildren, all boys under four. People ask if I'm going to have a football team, but what I'd really like to do is dress them in war paint and teach them the haka. They call me 'Koro' - a Maori word for grandfather - because I happened to be visiting a Maori village the day the first one was born.
What's your favourite holiday destination?
I have four. Currimundi on the Sunshine Coast, France, Tasmania and New Zealand. They all share one thing in common - I love walking and they all have some great hiking trails.
What mementos do you keep on your desk?
I had a small snowboarding accident in New Zealand which led to brain surgery. A friend sent me this picture of a snowboarder jumping off a cliff to remind me of mistakes I've made!
If a movie was made about your life, who would you cast as Peter Andrews?
John Cleese. People often tell me I look like Basil Fawlty, and years ago there was a man working in my faculty called Manuel. Needless to say the students called me Basil!
What makes you sad or angry?
Looking back at Australians as we were a century ago, we were quite an incredible nation. We were fit, resourceful, supremely innovative, the spirit of mateship was really there. When you look at our community today, I think we're starting to lose those qualities. We're certainly not fit, that makes me sad. Spirit of mateship? Look at the lack of consideration on our roads. We still do rise to the occasion, like with the Victorian bushfires. But on a day-to-day basis we seem to be losing it.
When you're gone, for what do you want to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as having played a part in doing some useful things for the science community and for Queensland. I'm especially pleased with the emphasis the government is placing on targets that we as a community might achieve together. That interface is one I am going to enjoy working at, and hopefully where I can make a difference.
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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