The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has announced the appointment of Professor Penny Sackett as Australia’s new full-time Chief Scientist. Professor Sackett's five year term begins 3 November 2008.
The Office of the Chief Scientist provides information and advice on policy issues, research and administrative support for Australia’s Chief Scientist and the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council.
The Office supports Australia’s Chief Scientist in her engagement with the science, research and industry communities, learned societies, and other portfolios and governments, and in providing advice to Government on a wide range of scientific and technological issues of importance to Australia.
The Office provides advisory and secretariat support for the twice yearly meetings of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council. This includes establishment and support for Council’s working groups comprising experts from science, research and industry sectors who provide advice on emerging issues of national interest in science, research and innovation. Examples include how to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders mothers, their unborn babies and infants; and the enabling role which science and technology led innovation in services can play in underpinning Australian industries. The Office supports the Chief Scientist in her role as Executive Officer to the Council.
Contact:
Office of the Chief Scientist
c/- Science and Research Division
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6276 1843
Email: chief.scientist@innovation.gov.au