Biography
Professor Penny D Sackett, Chief Scientist for Australia
Professor Penny D Sackett began her appointment as Chief Scientist for Australia in November 2008. Professor Sackett is an accomplished cross-disciplinary scientist with a record of academic excellence on three continents. She is highly respected in the national and international communities of science and technology, both for her research and her proven experience in research management.
A physicist by training and an astronomer by profession, Professor Sackett was most recently Director of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories (2002 – 2007) at the Australian National University. Other previous appointments include the J. Seward Johnson Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton (USA), Program Director at the US National Science Foundation, and Chaired Professor at the University of Groningen (NL).
As Chief Scientist for Australia, Professor Sackett provides high-level independent advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers on matters relating to science, technology and innovation. She is the Executive Officer to 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. Professor Sackett also holds a number of ex-officio roles including being a member of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Advisory Board and the Rural Research and Development Council.
Professor Sackett is an advocate for Australian science internationally and a visible contributor to science diplomacy. She also focuses national thinking on science across the states and territories through the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists. An equally important part of the Chief Scientist’s role is to be a champion of science and research in the community, with a special brief to promote science as a career and help break down the cultural barriers that inhibit collaboration between researchers and industry. Finally, Professor Sackett is a communicator of science to the general public, promoting the understanding of, contribution to and enjoyment of science and evidence-based thinking.
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