The Chief Scientist for Australia provides independent advice to Government on a wide range of scientific and technological issues and her engagement with the science, research and industry communities, learned societies and other governments.

Penny D Sackett

Message from the Chief Scientist

Science has a unique and critical role in our nation's future, including generating and communicating new knowledge and applying that knowledge and scientific thinking to the big challenges ahead for Australia. I believe that scientists can and should engage with governments to inform national policy and effectively communicate with the people of Australia about the scientific issues that affect their lives.

Science news

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Scientists risk becoming 'PR hacks'

NEWS ANALYSIS: Calls for scientists to do a better job at framing research for public consumption threaten to turn scientists into "spin" merchants, says one expert.

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Fireworks to became a little greener

Scientists are working on a new generation of kinder, gentler pyrotechnics that produce less smoke and use fewer toxic metals.

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Scientists discover three new Aussie dinosaurs

Palaeontologists have unveiled three new Australian dinosaur skeletons in Queensland today.

Calendar

Date Event details
June 2009
05 June Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) meeting
May 2009
19 May Rural Research and Development Council meeting
27 May Chief Scientist speaks at the Pathfinders: The Innovator's Conference
27 May Chief Scientist discusses How To Make or Influence a Million - Australian Science Festival
April 2009
01 Apr Chief Scientist launches Zadko Telescope
15 Apr Chief Scientist attends Australia-China Climate Change Forum
20 Apr Meeting with Dr Harold Varmus, co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
21 Apr Meeting with Dr John Holdren, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President; and co-chair of PCAST
21 Apr Meeting with Dr Nina Federoff, Special Advisor (Science and Technology), US Department of State
21 Apr Meeting with Dr Arden Bement, Director, National Science Foundation
21 Apr Meeting with Dr Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; and Administrator for National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

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