Australian Academy of Science appoints new chief executive

The Australian Academy of Science has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, Anna-Maria Arabia, who is set to commence in her new role from 24 October. Arabia succeeds Dr Sue Meek, who stepped down in July after eight years of service.

Arabia has had a distinguished career working in science advocacy and science policy, and with not-for-profit organisations. She has previously served as the CEO of Science & Technology Australia, general manager of Questacon and director of policy/principal adviser to the Federal Leader of the Opposition.

Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes said he and his colleagues “very much look forward” to working with Arabia, saying she is “widely experienced in so many aspects of activities undertaken by the academy and can be expected to lead us in many new endeavours”.

Interim Chief Executive Ben Patterson added that he and the senior managers are looking forward to working with someone who has both a strong knowledge of the sector and demonstrated leadership and commitment in the field.

Arabia herself said she is “thrilled to be joining the Australian Academy of Science at a time when the place of science in society is paramount to meet local and global challenges that know no political or geographical boundary”.

“Particularly in straitened economic times, Australia must benefit from science which is a key driver of the knowledge economy,” she said.