Peter Klinken appointed Chief Scientist of WA

WA Premier and Minister for Science Colin Barnett has announced Professor Peter Klinken as the new Chief Scientist of Western Australia.

Professor Klinken is a leading medical researcher who is highly regarded for advancing the understanding of genes involved in leukaemia, cancer and anaemia. In 2004, he discovered the gene known as HLS5, which suppresses the growth of tumours.

He played a key role in establishing the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (previously the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research) in 1998. Under his stewardship, the institute attracted world-class researchers and saw an increase in staff numbers from 35 in 2002 to 250 in 2014.

Over the years, the institute’s multidisciplinary research teams have secured more than $100 million in national and international competitive grants and made numerous acclaimed discoveries. Professor Klinken supported the establishment of Linear Clinical Research in 2010, a facility founded by the Perkins Institute for early-phase clinical trials of new drugs and therapies.

Professor Klinken also spearheaded the development of two new state-of-the-art medical research facilities, Perkins North in Nedlands (QEII Medical Centre) and Perkins South in Murdoch (Fiona Stanley Hospital). Together, the facilities will house more than 800 researchers.

“The Chief Scientist provides important input to support the government in building the state’s science industries to achieve future prosperity for West Australians,” Barnett said.

“Professor Klinken brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to the role and I very much look forward to working with him.”

Professor Klinken said he hopes he can help turn Perth “into a centre for innovation and creativity that will see us move from our successes in oil and gas mining to creating new industries in biotechnology”.

He takes over from Professor Lyn Beazley, who served as WA Chief Scientist from 2006 to 2013.