New appointment to CSIRO board

Professor Peter Høj, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia, has been appointed a part-time member to the CSIRO Board.

Announcing the appointment today, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr congratulated Professor Høj on his appointment and said that his experience working with government, research, science and the higher education sector will be of great value to the CSIRO Board.

“Professor Høj’s insight into Australia’s broader research and innovation environment and his practical knowledge of research will be valuable additions to the CSIRO Board,” said Senator Carr.

“He is well placed to contribute to the board’s strategic and oversight responsibilities, especially with respect to CSIRO’s advisory role to government and its crucial interactions with universities, including through the Flagship Collaboration Fund program.

“I congratulate Professor Høj on his appointment and look forward to his support for CSIRO’s important work.”

Prior to leading the University of South Australia, Professor Høj was CEO of the Australian Research Council for three years between 2004 and 2007 and has served on the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council and on the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy Committee. His considerable experience on boards and councils includes membership of the Australian Institute of Marine Science Council, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and as Deputy Chair of Universities Australia.

CSIRO Chairman Simon McKeon also welcomed the appointment:

“The board looks forward to working with Professor Høj, who brings tremendous skills and experience, as well as the important connections to the university sector and understanding of the innovation system, to further CSIRO’s performance in pursuit of its 2011-15 strategy.”