WA Govt creates Science and Technology Council

The WA Government has announced a new Science and Technology Council to ensure future growth of the sector in Western Australia. The council will oversee the implementation of Western Australia’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan, released in December 2024, which outlines a vision to enhance and leverage the state’s scientific and technological capabilities to support economic growth, societal wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

The council will play a critical role in tracking progress toward the plan’s objectives, while advising government on long-term priorities and developments across Western Australia’s science and technology ecosystem. It will offer independent advice on emerging opportunities and challenges, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strengthening connections between government, academia and industry.

“Western Australia is home to world-class expertise in research, innovation and technology, spanning industries from health and energy to biodiversity and space,” said WA Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson.

“The newly appointed Science and Technology Council will play a vital role in guiding the strategic implementation of the state’s 10-Year Plan, helping to identify and harness opportunities across this fast-evolving landscape.

“The council’s advice will ensure WA is well positioned to respond to global challenges, support local talent and strengthen our position on the world stage.”

Expressions of interest to join the council attracted a huge response, with 114 submissions received from across the state. The chosen members bring diverse expertise spanning multiple sectors, disciplines and demographic backgrounds, and are as follows:

• Professor Sharath Sriram (Chair) — Chief Scientist of WA
• WA Deputy Director General - Industry, Science and Innovation (ex officio, currently Steph Underwood) — Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
• Professor James Arvanitakis — Forrest Research Foundation
• Professor Peta Ashworth OAM — Curtin Institute for Energy Transition
• Dr Rob Hough — CSIRO
• Professor Margaret Jones — Edith Cowan University
• Professor Owen Nevin — Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
• Dr Sarah Pearce — SKA Observatory
• Nicole Roocke — Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia
• Professor Kadambot Siddique AM — The University of Western Australia
• Mark Stickells AM — Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre
• Pia Turcinov AM — FundWA Pty Ltd
• Dr Fiona Wood AO — Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children's Hospital
   

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