About
What is the Chief Scientist?
As Chief Scientist for Australia, I provide high-level independent advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers on matters relating to science, technology and innovation. I am the Executive Officer of the Prime Minster’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.
As Chief Scientist, I also hold a number of ex-officio roles including 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.
I am also an advocate for Australian science internationally and I focus national thinking on science across the states and territories through the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists. An equally important part of my role as Chief Scientist for Australia is to be a champion of science, research and the role of evidence in the community and in government. Finally, I am 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. Through my role as Chief Scientist, I have 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 links with International Chief Scientists I am also able to help discuss and affect this at a global level. This is a key and unique aspect of my role.
Who do I report to?
As Chief Scientist I report directly to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Senator Kim Carr.
I also work closely with the Prime Minister both in my 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
As part of my role as Chief Scientist for Australia, I participate in a number of advisory and funding committees and expert advisory panels in an ex-officio capacity. These include:
- Chair of the Australian Climate Change Science Framework Coordination Group
- Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council
- Member of Coordination Committee on Innovation
- Member of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation Advisory Board
- Member of National Research Infrastructure Strategy Committee
- Member of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science Committee
- Member of the Rural Research and Development Council
- President of the National Science Summer School Council
About the Office of the Chief Scientist
The Office of the Chief Scientist supports the Chief Scientist for Australia in her role of providing 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.
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 her role as an advocate of Australian science internationally.
- Providing support to the Chief Scientist in discharging her 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, Professor Penny D Sackett. The forum meets on a regular basis to discuss key science issues including how to best increase science awareness and education in each State and Territory. More detail on each State and Territory Chief Scientist can be found at:
Related articles
- PMSEIC explained
- Advancing the interests of Australian Science internationally
- World Science Forum – Australia’s foresighting activities: Planning today for a sustainable tomorrow
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