Following a brilliant undergraduate medical career, John Stocker obtained a Ph.D. in immunology, contributing notably to our understanding of immunological tolerance, work continued at the Basel Institute for Immunology. He then moved to the research division of Hoffman-La Roche & Co. Ltd. in Basel, moving quickly up the corporate hierarchy reaching the position of Director of Pharmaceutical Research and Member of the Pharmaceutical Division Board. He returned to Australia in 1987 and quickly established himself as an articulate spokesman for the emerging Australian biotechnology industry. On the basis of his distinction in academic science, applied research and development, scientific entrepreneurship and visionary qualities, he was appointed Chief Executive of CSIRO at the young age of 44 years.