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About

Professor Ian Chubb AC was appointed to the position of Chief Scientist on Tuesday 19 April 2011.  He commenced in the position on Monday 23 May 2011

For general enquiries, please contact the office on:
Ph: +61 2 6276 1727
Email: chief.scientist@chiefscientist.gov.au 

For enquiries on OCS business (i.e. Corporate, wider Government and international liaison, Forum of Australian Chief Scientists (FACS), please contact:

For enquiries on specific projects, please contact:

What is the Chief Scientist?

The Chief Scientist for Australia provides high-level independent advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers on matters relating to science, technology and innovation.  They also hold the position of Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, leading foresighting activities to identify long-term challenges and opportunities for Australia that can be addressed, in part, through science.  Subsequent gap analysis leads to public reports that conclude with whole-of-government recommendations to assist in equipping the nation to meet uncertain and transformational futures.

The Chief Scientist also holds a number of ex-officio roles at the discretion of the government and have included Chair of Australian Climate Change Science Framework Coordination Group, and membership of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Advisory Board and the Rural Research and Development Council.

The position is also an advocate for Australian science internationally and focuses national thinking on science across the states and territories through the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists.  An equally important part of the role of Chief Scientist for Australia is to be a champion of science, research and the role of evidence in the community and in government.  Finally, the Chief Scientist is a communicator of science to the general public, with the aim to promote understanding of, contribution to and enjoyment of science and evidence-based thinking.

What unique role does the Chief Scientist for Australia play?

The world, and Australia with it, is faced with increasingly complex challenges and opportunities, most of which require significant input from science in order to address them fully and appropriately.  It is essential then, that the Australian Government has access to the highest calibre independent, and authoritative scientific advice available, to be used to help inform the best course of action for Australia.  The Chief Scientist has the opportunity to help bring together extensive national and international scientific networks to assist in providing the most up to date and scientifically robust advice. Through international networks the Chief Scientist is also able to help discuss and affect this at a global level. This is a key and unique aspect of the role.

Who does the Chief Scientist report to?

The Chief Scientist reports directly to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Senator Kim Carr and also works closely with the Prime Minister both in their role as Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council and in order to provide detailed scientific advice.

Ex-officio roles of the Chief Scientist

The Chief Scientist for Australia participates in a number of advisory committees and expert advisory panels at the discretion of Government in an ex-officio capacity. These include:

  • Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC)
  • National Research Infrastructure Committee (NRIC)
  • Defence Science and Technology Organisation Advisory Board (DSTO)
  • Education Investment Fund Advisory Board (EIF)
  • APS200 Committee
  • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
  • Rural Research and Development Council
  • Forum of Australian Chief Scientists
  • PM Science Prizes Committee
  • Ministerial Advisory Council on Regional Australia (MAC)
  • Commonwealth State and Territory Advisory Council on Innovation (CSTACI)
  • Focusing Australia’s Publicly Funded Research Review: Expert Reference Group
  • National Climate Change Science Framework – High Level Consultative Group
  • National Science Colloquium
  • Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia
  • Climate Change Authority
  • Joint South Australian Cancer Research Committee (SACRC)

  • CSIRO Board Member 

The Office of the Chief Scientist

The Office of the Chief Scientist supports the Chief Scientist for Australia in his role of providing independent advice to Government on a wide range of scientific and technological issues and his engagement with the science, research and industry communities, learned societies and other governments.

The Office undertakes a wide range of activities in support of the Chief Scientist including:

  • Research and analysis of science, technology and innovation issues;
  • Monitoring current and future trends and developments in science and innovation in Australia and overseas;
  • Liaising with other Australian Government departments and agencies responsible for science and innovation;
  • Maintaining strong networks with science, innovation, education and research bodies;
  • Providing support for the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) and associated committees consistent with the Chief Scientist’s role as the Executive Officer of PMSEIC;
  • Supporting the Chief Scientist in his role as an advocate of Australian science internationally.
  • Providing support to the Chief Scientist in discharging his ex-officio roles
  • Providing support for the Chief Scientist to be an advocate for science and research in the community and to promote science education and science careers;
  • Providing support for the Chief Scientist to engage with the Australian public on science and innovation through public discussions and communication networks including print media, radio, TV and the internet; and
  • Liaising with State and Territory Governments through State-based Chief Scientists and relevant agencies.

The Forum of Australian Chief Scientists

The Forum of Australian Chief Scientists is comprised of State and Territory Chief Scientists and is chaired by the Chief Scientist for Australia. It seeks to develop strategic direction for science and technology issues of national importance, and devises action plans to address these issues in a collective manner. More detail on some of the State and Territory Chief Scientists can be found at:

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