Top Australian and US scientists meet

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, has recently returned from the United States, where she engaged with key science advisers to President Obama.

“Engaging with international counterparts on topical science issues is essential in order for us to find global solutions to global problems such as climate change and emerging health issues,” Professor Sackett said.

While in the United States, Professor Sackett met with key officials including:

• Dr Harold Varmus, Co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST);
• Dr John Holdren, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President; and Co-chair of PCAST;
• Dr Nina Federoff, Special Advisor (Science and Technology), US Department of State;
• Dr Arden Bement, Director, National Science Foundation; and
• Dr Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; and Administrator for National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“We discussed issues common to our two countries, and the rest of the global community, including climate change, clean energy research and best practice approaches for providing expert advice to government.

“It is only through engagement across geographical and societal boundaries and across scientific disciplines that we will be able to find solutions to these issues and implement them,” Professor Sackett said.

Professor Sackett will be talking further about the importance of collaboration to find global solutions to global problems at the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Pathfinders Conference on Wednesday 27 May at the Canberra Convention Centre.