Alan Finkel Biography
Alan Finkel is a well-known Australian figure in science and innovation. He has worked as a neuroscientist, inventor, business leader, educator, and government advisor. His life shows how one person can make big changes in many areas, from creating tools for brain research to shaping national policies on energy and education. Born in 1953, Finkel grew up in Melbourne and built a career that mixed curiosity with practical action. He served as Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020, giving advice on key issues like climate change and the COVID-19 response. Before that, he started companies and led universities. His story teaches us about the value of learning, hard work, and helping others. It reminds readers that science can solve real-world problems and improve lives.
Finkel’s journey started in a family that valued education after tough times. He studied engineering and turned his skills into inventions that helped scientists worldwide. In business, he founded a company that grew big and sold for millions. Later, he focused on teaching and policy, pushing for better science education and clean energy. His work has earned him top honors in Australia. This biography looks at his life to inspire young people interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, often called STEM. It shows how focusing on a subject can open many doors.
Alan Finkel Early Life and Family Background
Alan Simon Finkel was born on January 17, 1953, in Melbourne, Australia. He grew up in a Jewish family as the son of Polish-born parents who survived the Holocaust. This background shaped his views on resilience and the importance of knowledge. His parents escaped war in Europe and moved to Australia after World War II, seeking a better life. They taught him to value education as a way to overcome hardships. Finkel has often said that his family’s history inspired him to pursue science, seeing it as a tool for progress and understanding.
As a child, Finkel showed interest in how things work. Living in Melbourne, he enjoyed exploring ideas about electricity and biology. His parents encouraged this curiosity, even though they faced challenges as immigrants. They worked hard to provide for the family, and Finkel learned the value of perseverance from them. He attended local schools where he excelled in math and science. These early experiences built his foundation for a life in STEM fields.
Finkel’s heritage also connected him to a community that prized learning. Many Holocaust survivors in Australia focused on rebuilding through education and business. This environment helped Finkel develop a strong work ethic. By his teens, he was already thinking about engineering as a career. His family’s story reminds us how personal history can drive success. Today, at age 72, Finkel continues to honor his roots through philanthropy that supports education and research.
Alan Finkel Education
Finkel’s education laid the groundwork for his achievements. He completed secondary school at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Melbourne. This school emphasized strong academics, especially in science and math. It prepared him for university studies.
In the 1970s, Finkel enrolled at Monash University in Melbourne. He earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with Honors. This degree taught him about circuits, signals, and systems. He enjoyed the practical side of engineering, like building devices. After his bachelor’s, he pursued a PhD in Electrical Engineering at the same university. His thesis, completed in 1980, was titled “Chloride-selective cholinergic receptor/channels in snail neurones.” This work explored how nerve cells communicate using electricity and chemicals. It combined engineering with biology, showing his interest in neuroscience.
After his PhD, Finkel did postdoctoral research at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University in Canberra. From 1980 to 1982, he studied brain cells in mammals. He designed tools to measure electrical signals in nerves. This experience honed his skills in research and invention. It also taught him how to apply engineering to medical questions.
Finkel’s education focused on discipline and problem-solving. He learned to master one area before branching out. This approach helped him in later careers. Monash University later honored him by making him Chancellor from 2008 to 2016. His story shows how good education can lead to diverse opportunities in science and beyond.
Alan Finkel Career
Finkel’s career spans research, business, education, and policy. It began in academia after his postdoctoral work. In 1982, at the Australian National University, he invented the Discontinuous Single-Electrode Voltage Clamp. This tool measured electrical activity in cells accurately. It helped scientists study nerves and drugs. Finkel saw its potential beyond the lab.
In 1983, he moved to Silicon Valley, California, and founded Axon Instruments Inc. As CEO for 23 years, he grew the company into a leader in neuroscience tools. Axon made amplifiers, software, and robotic systems for research in brains, genes, and drugs. Products went to labs in the USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Finkel designed or managed most items. In 2004, he sold Axon to Molecular Devices for 140 million dollars. He stayed on as Senior Vice President for Global Engineering and Chief Technology Officer until 2006. During this time, he invented the Population Patch Clamp for faster drug testing.
After returning to Australia in 2006, Finkel co-founded Cosmos Media Pty Ltd in 2004 to publish Cosmos Magazine. He served as Executive Publisher until gifting it to the Royal Institution of Australia. The magazine promotes science to the public and schools. From 2009 to 2012, he was Chief Technology Officer at Better Place Australia, working on electric car charging networks. This role focused on sustainable transport.
In 2012, Finkel co-founded Stile Education and became its Chair. The company provides science materials to Australian schools, reaching hundreds of classrooms. He aimed to improve STEM teaching for students.
Finkel entered university leadership as Chancellor of Monash University from 2008 to 2016. As the first alumnus in this role, he oversaw growth in research and student programs. He boosted STEM enrollment and supported Indigenous initiatives.
From 2013 to 2015, he was President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. He advocated for engineering in national issues like climate. He led collaborations between industry and academia.
In 2016, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appointed Finkel as Australia’s 8th Chief Scientist. He served until December 31, 2020. In this position, he advised on science, technology, and innovation. He chaired committees on climate, data, and prizes. He led reviews like the 2017 National Electricity Market Review for better renewables. In 2018, he authored “Hydrogen for Australia’s Future” to position the country as a hydrogen exporter. In 2020, he worked on low-emissions tech and COVID-19 responses, including ventilators and contact tracing.
After 2020, Finkel became Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technologies. He chairs the Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council and Stile Education. In July 2022, he led the Indo-Pacific Clean Energy Supply Chain Forum in Sydney. He also advises on climate tech through Manhattan Investment Group.
Finkel started the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience in the 2000s, funding and leading it for young scientists. He chaired boards for child abuse prevention and astrophysics. His career shows how science links to business and policy. He has given over 700 public talks to share knowledge. Finkel’s path educates us on adapting skills to new challenges, like moving from labs to government.
Alan Finkel Awards
Finkel has received many honors for his work in science, engineering, and society. Here is a list of key awards:
- In 2000, he won the Jack Finlay Award from the Institution of Electrical Engineers for contributions to manufacturing in Australasia.
- In 2004, the R&D 100 Award for the OpusXpress workstation in electrophysiology.
- In 2005, the ATSE Clunies Ross Award for Commercialisation.
- In 2006, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for biomedical science and research support.
- In 2006, the J E Cummins Medal from the Royal Society of Victoria.
- In 2014, Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to science, education, child protection, and philanthropy.
- In 2015, the Institution of Engineering and Technology Mountbatten Medal for electronics and IT promotion.
- In 2015, elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
- In 2016, the M. A. Sargent Medal.
- In 2016, named Victorian of the Year.
- In 2017, Doctor of Laws honoris causa from Monash University.
- In 2018, Doctor of Letters honoris causa from Macquarie University.
- In 2018, the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal from Engineers Australia for engineering contributions.
- In 2018, the Joseph F. Keithley Award from IEEE for measurement in brain cells.
- In 2018, listed as a Top Political Influencer in STEM by Onalytica.
- In 2019, the David Dewhurst Medal from Engineers Australia for biomedical engineering.
- In 2022, Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for service to science, energy, climate, COVID-19, and education.
Finkel is a Fellow of groups like the Australian Academy of Science, ATSE, IEEE, and others. These awards highlight his impact across fields.
Alan Finkel Personal Life
Finkel lives in Melbourne with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Finkel AM, a science journalist and biochemist. They married in 1982 and have two sons. Elizabeth co-founded Cosmos Magazine with him and shares his passion for science communication. Through the Alan and Elizabeth Finkel Foundation, they support causes in education, research, and journalism. They donated over 1 million dollars to Monash University for Indigenous languages in the Wunungu Awara program. The foundation aids neuroscience courses, health centers, museums, and environmental projects.
Finkel enjoys jogging three times a week to stay alert. He values family and exercise for balance. His personal life reflects his commitment to giving back, inspired by his parents’ resilience.
Conclusion
Alan Finkel’s life is a model of using science for good. From his early days in Melbourne to leading national policy, he shows how education and innovation drive change. His inventions helped research, his businesses created jobs, and his advice shaped Australia’s future in energy and health. At 72, he continues advising on clean tech. Finkel’s story encourages readers to pursue knowledge and help others. It proves that focusing on strengths can lead to a fulfilling career and lasting impact.
FAQs
What is Alan Finkel known for?
He is known as a neuroscientist, inventor of tools like the voltage clamp, founder of Axon Instruments, and Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020.
How old is Alan Finkel?
Born on January 17, 1953, he is 72 years old in 2025.
What did Alan Finkel study?
He studied electrical engineering at Monash University, earning a bachelor’s with honors and a PhD in 1980.
What awards has Alan Finkel won?
He has won the Order of Australia (AM in 2006, AO in 2014, AC in 2022), Clunies Ross Award in 2005, and IEEE Joseph F. Keithley Award in 2018, among others.
Who is Alan Finkel’s wife?
His wife is Dr. Elizabeth Finkel AM, a science journalist and biochemist, married since 1982.
What books has Alan Finkel written?
He wrote “Getting to Zero” in 2021 on emissions and “Powering Up” in 2023 on clean energy supply chains.
What is the Finkel Foundation?
It is the Alan and Elizabeth Finkel Foundation, supporting education, research, and philanthropy in science and culture.