Nanotech expert to assist Chief Scientist

CSIRO nanotechnology expert Dr Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis has been appointed to a new, part-time role as head of the Office of the Chief Scientist, to assist Chief Scientist Dr Robin Batterham.

Braach-Maksvytis will divide her time between the Office of the Chief Scientist and her current CSIRO posts - she is a member of CSIRO's executive team, and co-director of CSIRO's nanotechnology program.

She is also chair of CSIRO's Science Forum, which oversees CSIRO's strategic investments in the emerging sciences.

Science Minister Peter McGauran said Braach-Maksvytis' passion for science, and her track record as a researcher in the emerging field of nanotechnology, will make her a valuable asset to the Office of the Chief Scientist, where she will help Dr Batterham in liaising with Australia's science, technology and engineering communities.

McGauran said Braach-Maksvytis held 25 nanotechnology patents, and was the first researcher in the world to produce a working nano-device. Nanotechnology deals with the design and fabrication of ultra-small devices in the size range of thousandths of a millimetre.

Apart from her research record, she has expertise in commercialising new research discoveries.

A spokesman for Batterham said Braach-Maksvytis would be employed part-time and would assist the Chief Scientist across the full range of his duties.

The Office of the Chief Scientist advises the Commonwealth government on priority areas for strategic funding of public investment in science and technology, and on science and technology's contribution to national goals.