Jean Fleming has returned to the University of Otago after three years at Griffith University, Brisbane, to help establish New Zealand’s first Centre for Science Communication. Jean trained originally in Biochemistry at Victoria University of Wellington, but developed a lifelong interest in reproductive biology while completing an MSc and PhD at the University of Otago's Wellington School of Medicine, in parallel with becoming a mother. Her research on activin and inhibin gene expression in the Booroola sheep led to the award of the first Zonta International Medal for Women in Science in 1990.

Jean's current research focuses on how repeated ovulation increases a woman's risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer, by contributing to ovarian inclusion cyst formation. Jean is known internationally for her talks on the role of scientists in the community, the relationships between science and business and the magic of a life in science.

Since her experience as a Commissioner with the New Zealand Royal Commission on Genetic Modification in 2000-2001, these interests have focussed on the perceived impression of molecular biologists and genetic technologies as untrustworthy, and on analysis of the concept that humans shouldn't "play God". She was also Chair of the Programme Committee for the first Dunedin International Science Festival in 1998. Her commitment to taking her science to the community led to the award of a Suffrage Medal in 1993, a Royal Society of NZ Silver Science & Technology Medal in 1998 and an ONZM for services to science in 2002.

Jean looks forward to developing these roles in the new Centre of Science Communication in Dunedin, New Zealand's City of Science.