Dr Alan Finkel is an engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and publisher who is prominent in the Australian and global scientific community. Dr Finkel, the Chancellor of Monash University and a member of Dū’s Global Leaders Faculty, has previously worked as the chief technology officer of Better Place Australia, a company that provides clean energy to run Australia’s growing fleet of electric cars, and CEO of Axon Instruments, an ASX-listed, American company, which makes precision scientific instruments.

During his career, Dr Finkel has been responsible for research and creation of a number of commercial products and ideas that have improved the way scientists and researchers work. His impact on the scientific world has flowed on to the remainder of the community, improving the way in which society understands the human body and the world around us.

One such product to impact in this way is Dr Finkel’s DNA microarray scanner, which is allowing scientists to gain a better understanding of genetics and disease. This project is an example of how Dr Finkel’s initiative and drive has allowed him to change an idea into reality, achieving commercial success and advancing a field to which he has dedicated himself.