Scientia Professor Jane McAdam, a world expert in human displacement as a consequence of climate change and disasters, heads the list of UNSW academics, alumni, current and former colleagues, and community members recognised in this year’s Queen’s Bi
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Kathleen Folbigg’s children likely died of natural causes, not murder
Some 90 prominent scientists, including Nobel laureates and other leading Australian and international researchers, today called for convicted child murderer Kathleen Folbigg to be pardoned and released from jail.
Author Professor and Co-Director, Centre for Personalised Immunology, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Australian National University
They say genetic evidence published in November 2020 shows some of the children had genetic mutations that predisposed them to heart complications. They argue these mutations are what likely led to their deaths.
This evidence was not available at the time of Folbigg’s conviction in 2003. Instead, she was convicted of smothering her children. She remains in jail and maintains her innocence.
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Nobel Laureates and leading scientists call for Kathleen Folbigg pardon
From left: Academy President Professor John Shine, Professors Carola Vinuesa, Fiona Stanley and Jozef Gecz and Former Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb.
Ninety eminent scientists-including two Australian Nobel Laureates, medical practitioners, science leaders and prominent Australians-have signed a petition calling for Kathleen Folbigg’s immediate pardon and release from jail.
Kathleen Folbigg was convicted and jailed in 2003 for murdering her children Patrick, Sarah and Laura and for the manslaughter of Caleb.
The petition argues that Ms Folbigg should be granted a pardon based on the significant scientific evidence of natural causes of death for her children.