Brief Biographies of the Directors
Dr Judy Carman
Dr Judy Carman has a Bachelor of Science, an Honours Degree in Organic Chemistry, a Ph.D. in Medicine in the field of nutritional biochemistry and metabolic regulation, and a Master of Public Health specialising in epidemiology and biostatistics. She has worked in the fields of human nutrition (including at the CSIRO), HIV/AIDS in Sydney, national injury surveillance and analysing data from Divisions of General Practice. She was the Senior Epidemiologist in the Communicable Disease Control Branch of the South Australian Department of Human Services, investigating outbreaks of disease in the state. She has many years of experience teaching at various tertiary institutions, including an agricultural college, she was a Senior Lecturer at Flinders University and is currently an Affiliate Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health at the University of Adelaide. Judy is the spokesperson on GM foods for the Public Health Association of Australia. She has also advised parliamentarians, government and non-government organisations and industry bodies on various matters.
Judy’s interest in GM foods began while doing committee work in the Public Health Association of Australia, when she learnt that Australia’s food regulator (then ANZFA, now FSANZ) had approved their first GM food. She obtained ANZFA’s safety approval document and was appalled at the quality of the science used to justify safety. Of greater concern, she found subsequent safety assessments to be even worse. Over the years, her concerns and time spent on the issue increased to the extent where she gave-up most of her paid employment to dedicate herself to the issue.
Dr Kate Clinch-Jones
Dr Kate Clinch-Jones graduated with a Medical Degree (BMBS) from Flinders University, South Australia, in 1988. After completing her Internship and Residency at Flinders Medical Centre, she became a General Practitioner, and ran her own solo medical practice for 10 years.
Dr Clinch-Jones became interested in GM foods late in 1997. A passing comment piqued her curiosity, and led to a search for more information. Idle curiosity turned to dismay as the inadequacy of safety testing of GM foods and crops became apparent. Ultimately, Dr. Clinch-Jones’ concerns became so serious that she became a founding member of one of Australia's first consumer groups dedicated to the issue of GM foods. She then volunteered thousands of hours to speak, write articles and make submissions to governments about the issue. Having stated a number of times that if ever her paid work prevented her from spending time on the GM issue, she would have to give up paid work, Dr. Clinch-Jones has now left clinical practice. She continues her voluntary work on GM foods as a Director of the Institute of Health and Environmental Research.
Her long term interest in good food and a healthy environment also led her to complete a Permaculture Design Certificate in 1999.
Dr Phil Davies
Phil graduated with first class Honours in Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide in 1984, and received a PhD in Genetics from the Australian National University in 1989. His academic studies have addressed the application of genetics and cell culture to crop improvement. He has held positions in Australian universities and government research institutions, where he has conducted research in the fields of cell culture, protoplast fusion, genetic transformation, somaclonal variation, cytogenetics and doubled haploid production. His current research involves the application of cell culture technology to plant breeding.
Phil’s interest in GM crops has developed from his professional research and interests, combined with his interest in ecology and environmental issues, particularly the impact of agriculture and human activity on the environment.