Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane has announced that the Government has begun the process of finding a successor to current Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb AC.
Professor Chubb's tenure concludes at the end of the year.
He was appointed to the position in July 2011, having been Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University for over a decade. He was Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University of South Australia for six years and the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Monash University for two years.
Ms Macfarlane said choosing the best candidate to succeed Professor Chubb was an extremely important process, given the integral role science plays in Australia’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.
“The Australian Government places the highest priority on science,” he said.
“We have put science at the centre of industry policy as it is integral to supporting Australia’s future growth and prosperity.
“We have announced national Science and Research Priorities of food, soil and water, transport, cybersecurity, energy, resources, advanced manufacturing, environmental change and health to ensure our high performing science, research and innovation system delivers maximum benefit.
“This year, the Government will also develop a national science strategy including a strategy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).”
Mr Macfarlane said the successful applicant would have a substantial scientific track record and reputation, be a passionate and effective communicator across disciplines and have significant policy advisory experience.
“The Chief Scientist reports to the Prime Minister through the Commonwealth Science Council, provides independent advice to the Government and works across all levels of government and agencies with science responsibilities on science, research, technology and innovation matters,” Mr Macfarlane said.
The Government has engaged Odgers Berndtson Australia to conduct a national and international search to find a replacement.
Further information about the selection process is available on a confidential basis by contacting Julie Steiner, Managing Director at Odgers Berndtson Australia (02 9460 4505 or ChiefScientistAustralia@odgersberndtson.com).