WA Govt appoints Sharath Sriram as Chief Scientist

Professor Sharath Sriram (pictured) has been appointed the fourth Chief Scientist of Western Australia, having begun his three-year term on 3 June.

As Chief Scientist, Sriram will be tasked with providing independent evidence-based advice to the state government on science, technology and innovation. He will support the development of WA’s science priorities, strengthen connections across research and industry, and promote the role of science in the state’s long-term growth.

A distinguished science and research leader with 20 years of experience in science and technology, Sriram brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Chief Scientist, which should help WA to build its science and technology capabilities. With specialisations in engineering and medical devices, he has been actively contributing to science policy and advocacy with a focus on fostering innovation and developing long-term strategies. He is currently the President of Science & Technology Australia (STA) — a role he will continue until the completion of his term in November 2025.

Sriram follows in the footsteps of outgoing Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken, who recently retired after more than a decade in the role. Since his appointment in 2014, Klinken has played a key role in supporting WA’s strategic priorities across the science and technology sector as well as the energy transition. He has also acted as an ambassador for science, raising public awareness about the importance of STEM for the future.

“I welcome Professor Sharath Sriram to the role and know that with his wealth of experience, WA is in a safe pair of hands when it comes to further unlocking our science and technology potential,” said WA Premier Roger Cook.

“My government is focused on ensuring the expertise and guidance from our Chief Scientist benefits the lives of Western Australians as well as help plan for our future.

“I would also like to thank our outgoing and longest serving Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken AC, who has made an incredible contribution to our state.”

The CEO of STA, Ryan Winn, described Sriram as “a superb choice to be Western Australia’s new Chief Scientist”.

“Sharath is an outstanding and innovative Australian researcher who has the runs on the board taking great ideas through to product development and then turning them into economy-boosting businesses,” Winn said. “He is also a great communicator of complex research insights into policymaking.

“The advice he’ll offer to the Western Australia Government as part of his new role will ensure that state is getting the best possible science and technology guidance.

“Such is his incredible acumen and depth of skills, he will give the Western Australia Government a commercial advantage in developing the industries of the future.”

Sriram is also a Fellow of Engineers Australia, with the organisation describing his appointment as an important example of how engineering expertise can be embedded into government decision-making.

“Professor Sriram has a history of turning complex technical ideas into practical, scalable solutions,” said Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew. “That’s exactly what the state needs right now — someone who can help build future-ready industries and infrastructure. His engineering expertise and innovative thinking will be key in ensuring technology and research deliver real benefits to the economy and to people’s everyday lives.”

Engineers Australia believes that integrating engineers into government decision-making is essential to tackle Australia’s complex challenges — from infrastructure development and energy transition to technological advancement. It looks forward to supporting Sriram in helping deliver a more resilient, technologically advanced and prosperous future for Western Australia.

“We talk a lot about the importance of including engineers in government, and Professor Sriram’s appointment is exactly what that looks like in practice,” Madew said. “He knows how to connect research with industry and how to deliver outcomes that matter to communities.”