Using long-term foresight to assess potential futures is crucial to preparing us for the challenges and opportunities ahead, according to Chief Scientist, Penny Sackett.

At the twentieth meeting of the Prime Minister’s Science Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) held on June 5 2009, an Expert Working Group presented a report titled Epidemics in a Changing World.

The announcement yesterday of the pledge by Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Union Commission, to establish an EU Chief Scientist was welcomed by Professor Penny Sackett, Chief Scientist for Australia.

The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) met today to discuss how innovation, science and research can contribute to ensuring Australia is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, which will involve new approaches to knowledge generation, health, sustainability, and economic and social development.

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, has recently returned from the United States, where she engaged with key science advisers to President Obama.

Professor Sackett discusses Strategic Leadership In Science at the Science Meets Parliament Breakfast Forum along with Dr Megan Clark – CEO, CSIRO; Baroness Susan Greenfield – scientist and member of the UK House of Lords; and Professor Mary O’Kane – Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer of NSW.

The Chief Scientist for Australia, Professor Penny Sackett, discusses climate change in an address to the 2009 Science meets Parliament.