Mark Priestley (Scientific Convenor)

What did you want to be when you grew up?
School teacher; always teaching the year I was in at the time, and the subject depending on whether I was any good at it.

Your first job?
Packing Christmas toys for a retail distributor in Surry Hills; very hot in the warehouse in summer, and very tempted to open the boxes and play with the merchandise all the time, especially the water pistols.

Your first break?
Going to university in the French Alps when I left school

The best part of your job?
Endless opportunities to learn, and meeting new people...and then putting them off to sleep if they're not very nice

The worst?
Listening to how poor my colleagues say they are

Who inspired you?
Patients who have embraced dignity over longevity

Your best quality?
Caring about how others feel

Your worst quality?
Caring about what others think

Your best achievement?
Apart from 3 beautiful children, my lemon and lime tart (with some help from Jamie!)

Where do you want to be in 10 years' time?
On the terrace of a cafe overlooking a gentle stream, in a village in south west France, sampling the local cheese, pate, bread and wine.