Australia gets a new Chief Scientist
Tuesday, 19 April, 2011
Australia’s next Chief Scientist will be Professor Ian Chubb, AC, who replaces Professor Penny Sackett, who resigned in February.
Professor Ian Chubb already has had an illustrious career as a neuroscientist and as vice chancellor or deputy vice chancellor of some of Australia’s most prestigious universities, including most recently the Australian National University from 2001 to 2011.
He was also announced ACT Australian of the Year in 2011.
The Chief Scientist role is one of a liaison with government over issues involving science, innovation and technology.
Professor Sackett announced that she had only met with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd once and had never met with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
She also became entangled in the politics of climate change after calling for more action by the government following the shelving of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme by Rudd.
According to Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, the posting of Professor Chubb reflects his ability to engage not only with scientists, but with politicians and bureaucrats.
“We ask for the skills to negotiate the wilds of Canberra and the corridors of academia and the boardrooms of the corporate world,” said Senator Carr.
“This is no small task [but] the government has found those characteristics united in Professor Ian Chubb.”
The scientific community has welcomed the announcement. “Professor Chubb has shown strong strategic leadership in his previous role as Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University,” said Australian Academy of Science President Professor Suzanne Cory.
“He is well known for his ability to put a powerfully reasoned case for research. We hope as Chief Scientist he will speak strongly for the entire Australian science community. “The need for science policy that is underpinned by evidence has never been more crucial. “We are very pleased that the Government has shown confidence in the post of Chief Scientist by appointing Professor Chubb.”
Professor Chubb will begin his three year term as Chief Scientist on 23 May.
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