AIMS council gets a revamp

The Australian Institute of Marine Science will start the year off with a new chair and three new members for its council.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has entered 2015 with a new chair and three new members appointed to its council.

The Hon Penelope Wensley AC, former Queensland Governor and distinguished diplomat, began her role as chair of the council on 1 January 2015.

Dr Penelope Wensley, new chair of the AIMS council.

Scientist and businesswoman Diana Hoff, ecosystem scientist and research executive Dr Stephen Morton and chartered accountant Roy Peterson have been appointed as part-time members of the council, with their terms beginning at the end of last year.

The tropical marine research agency plays a key role in providing large-scale, long-term research to support governments, industry and the community in making informed decisions about the sustainable use and protection of Australia’s marine estate.

“I congratulate Dr Wensley, Ms Hoff, Dr Morton and Mr Peterson and look forward to working with them closely as the government further embeds science at the centre of Australia’s industry policy,” said Minister for Industry and Science, Ian MacFarlane, in a statement.

The council consists of a chairperson, AIMS chief executive officer and four other members. With the exception of the chief executive officer, all council members are non-executive appointments nominated by the Minister for Industry and Science. 

Retiring council chair was Wayne Osborn, and retiring members included John Grace, Nicholas Mathiou and Elizabeth Montano.