The search for Australia's next Chief Scientist

The Australian Government has begun the process to select Australia’s next Chief Scientist, in preparation for the conclusion of Professor Ian Chubb’s tenure at the end of the year.

Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane said choosing the best candidate is an extremely important process, as the government “places the highest priority on science” and has “put science at the centre of industry policy”.

Macfarlane said the successful applicant will 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,” Macfarlane said.

“The Chief Scientist will also help focus national thinking on science across the states and territories and advocate for Australian science internationally.”

Professor Chubb last week stated his support for Minister for Education and Training Christopher Pyne’s plan to cooperate with state and territory colleagues to develop a national STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) school education strategy.

The Chief Scientist said that “we need the highest level of science literacy that we can achieve in our community” and the best way to achieve this is “to start early in schools”.

Professor Chubb also applauded Pyne’s proposal to increase the extent to which science and mathematics may be compulsory in senior secondary years, saying, “This is a great and important discussion to have.”

The government has contracted Odgers Berndtson Australia to conduct a national and international search to find a replacement for Professor Chubb. Further information about the selection process is available by contacting the company’s managing director, Julie Steiner, at 02 9460 4505 or ChiefScientistAustralia@odgersberndtson.com.

Applications close on 17 July 2015 at 5 pm AEST.