Geologist to head CSIRO

Economic geologist and former head of technology at BHP Billiton Dr Megan Clark has been named as the new CEO of Australia’s premier scientific research agency, the CSIRO.

She will begin the job in January, taking over from Dr Geoff Garrett. She will also sit on the agency’s board.

“This is a terrific appointment,” Garrett said. “I am really delighted for CSIRO and for Australia. We have worked closely with Megan over a number of years. She knows us well.”

The CSIRO staff association also welcomed the appointment. Relations between the association and Garrett have been rocky for some time.

“Staff have been looking forward to this announcement and are pleased to welcome Dr Clark as their new CEO,” association president Dr Michael Borgas said.

“We recognise that Dr Clark will bring a fresh perspective on CSIRO’s interactions with the many diverse industries that CSIRO supports. We recognise her background in minerals and mining that will be an advantage for CSIRO.

“The staff association will also be looking for a greater priority from Dr Clark in other areas of CSIRO’s work, particularly for food and agricultural research,

Borgas said the challenges for the new CEO from the association’s perspective were to reverse the funding cuts from the May budget, to improve long-term career and job stability for CSIRO staff and to improve CSIRO’s internal decision-making.

Science and research minister Kim Carr said he looked forward to working with Clark in her new role. “She understands the importance of innovation and the vital contribution CSIRO is making to Australia’s prosperity and social well being,” he said.

Clark is a member of the government’s National Innovation Review panel.

Her undergraduate degree in geology is from the University of WA and her PhD is in economic geology from the Queen’s University in Canada.

She began her career as a mine geologist and worked in mineral exploration, mine geology, R&D management, venture capital and technical strategy areas with WMC Resources.

She was vice president of technology at BHP Billiton for five years and since July this year has been in charge of health, safety, environment, community and sustainability for BHP.