Professor Haymet will be Australia’s 10th Chief Scientist, succeeding Dr Cathy Foley. Photo: Antarctic Science Foundation.
The Federal Government has announced that Professor Tony Haymet will be Australia’s new Chief Scientist, succeeding Dr Cathy Foley, whose four-year tenure ended in December.
Professor Haymet is an oceanographer and a former emeritus director and vice-chancellor, and distinguished professor, at the University of California’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He has also held the positions of chair of the Antarctic Science Foundation, and fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
He is also a co-owner of MRV Systems, a company that manufactures ocean robotic systems.
In an interview on ABC News Breakfast on 28 January, Federal Science Minister Ed Husic said Professor Haymet had shown exceptional leadership, particularly during his time at the CSIRO heading up marine and atmospheric research.
“It’s terrific to have someone of his calibre assessed from a wide range of people,” Mr Husic said. “It’s not an easy decision to appoint a Chief Scientist. But it’s terrific to have someone of Tony’s calibre on board.
“He’s someone who’s focused a lot on the issue and the impact of climate change. And he’s also demonstrated an ability to turn scientific concepts into commercial reality as well, with some of his work in ocean robotics.”
Mr Husic said the role of the Chief Scientist was to provide authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities.
Advice is provided either directly to government, through the National Science and Technology Council, for which he is executive officer and the Prime Minister is chair, or through boards and committees of which the Chief Scientist is a member.
The appointment has been welcomed by the Australian Academy of Science, Universities Australia, and by Science & Technology Australia (STA) – the peak body that represents Australia’s scientific community.
Academy of Science president Professor Chennupati Jagadish said: “Professor Haymet has made outstanding contributions to Australian and international science, its application and philanthropy.
“We look forward to continuing the unique and longstanding relationship between the Chief Scientist and Australia’s learned academies given our shared remit of providing independent scientific advice to government.”
Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy said Professor Haymet is a “bold and experienced advocate” for science and evidence on tackling issues from energy security and climate change to oceans and natural disaster prediction.
“Universities are the engine room of Australia’s research, driving solutions for our nation’s future challenges and opportunities,” he said. “From shaping national research priorities to strengthening our R&D system, we look forward to working with Professor Haymet and we congratulate him on his appointment.”
STA CEO Ryan Winn described Professor Haymet as a “globally significant oceanographer and entrepreneur”.
“Our planet faces significant challenges from climate change, and Emeritus Professor Haymet brings globally recognised leadership to help Australia navigate those challenges,” he said.
“As Australia’s Chief Scientist, he will play a vital role in helping the country adapt to a changing climate while also leveraging the opportunities of technology and innovation to build the industries of the future.
“His deep expertise with the World Economic Forum, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and at Australian and international universities will be invaluable in providing independent science advice and leadership to government to position Australia on the global stage.”
Original Article published by Andrew McLaughlin on Riotact.
