Professor Frances Separovic is a Biophysical Chemist and deputy director of the Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia. Her research group studies the structure and dynamics of molecules in biological membranes, with a focus on peptide antibiotics and toxins. Frances joined the University of Melbourne in 1996, where she served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, and became the first woman professor of chemistry (2005) and Head of School (2010). She is past president of the Biophysical Society (USA) and vice president of Division 1 of International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Frances has had several senior roles in professional societies including president of ANZMAG, General Treasurer of RACI, president of ASB, and Council member of IUPAB. She has been awarded the Robertson Medal of ASB, ANZMAG Medal, Fellow of the Biophysical Society, ISMAR Fellow, IUPAC Distinguished Woman of Chemistry, UNSW Alumni Award - Science & Technology, and RACI Leadership Award. She was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. Frances is the first female chemist elected to the Australian Academy of Science (2012), of which she is now Foreign Secretary.