The Chief Scientist of Western Australia is an independent adviser to the Government of Western Australia on science and innovation within Western Australia. The Chief Scientist also advises on science in the economy, the development of scientific industries, and promoting the state's scientific leadership internationally within the Asia-Pacific region.[1]

Role

The Chief Scientist advises the government, particularly the premier and the Minister for Science, on scientific matters, and on a strategic direction for science in Western Australia.[2]

The Chief Scientist reports to the Minister for Science, and works with the Science and Innovation division of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The role also involves the encouragement of collaboration at local, national and internal levels; advocating for scientific investment from industry and the federal government; advocating for policies and initiatives throughout government and the community; and acting as a public ambassador.[1]

Government ministers or bureaucrats may ask the Chief Scientist for scientific information on subjects related to their portfolios, such as radio astronomy, the Peel-Harvey inlet, or supercomputers. The Chief Scientist consults with experts on the subject, and present a briefing on the matter.[3] The Chief Scientist may also approach government with their own concerns or ideas.[3]

While in the role, Chief Scientists can continue their scientific endeavours, in local laboratories or in other parts of the world such as Nevada and South Africa.[4][5]

History

The position was created in 2003, with the inaugural appointment of Bruce Hobbs.[1] Hobbs resigned in May 2006[6] over a difference in opinion regarding government funding.[7] The second, Lyn Beazley, was the first woman to be appointed as a chief scientist in Australia.[8][9] The third appointment was Peter Klinken in 2014.[2] All three appointees were researchers and professors at the University of Western Australia.[10]

Chief Scientists

There have been three Chief Scientists of Western Australia:[1]

No Name Start date End date
1 Bruce Hobbs 2003 May 2006[6]
2 Lyn Beazley December 2006[6] December 2013[11]
3 Peter Klinken 10 June 2014 (incumbent)

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Chief Scientist of Western Australia". Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 5 March 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  2. 1 2 Klinken, Peter (17 June 2014). "Peter Klinken Appointed New Chief Scientist of WA" (Interview). Interviewed by Ed Williams. Perth, Western Australia: RTRFM. 03:03. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  3. 1 2 Klinken, Peter (12 June 2017). "WA's Chief Scientist honoured". Mornings (Interview). Interviewed by Gareth Parker. Perth, Western Australia: 6PR. 7:36. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020. Additional pages archived on 11 March 2020: MP3 audio file.
  4. ↑ Hobbs, Bruce (18 April 2006). "Bruce Hobbs". Radio National (Interview). Interviewed by Robyn Williams. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  5. ↑ Beazley, Lyn (28 April 2007). "WA Chief Scientist Lyn Beazley – her work and aims for science in Western Australia". The Science Show, Radio National (Interview). Interviewed by Robyn Williams. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 Madden, Catherine (13 December 2006). "WA's new chief scientist announced". ScienceNetwork WA. Archived from the original on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  7. ↑ Hobbs, Andrew (12 December 2006). "Logan appoints new chief scientist, flags council revamp". Business News. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  8. ↑ Beazley, Lyn (28 May 2019). "Western Australia's first female Chief Scientist". 7.30 (Interview). Interviewed by Leigh Sales. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 7 July 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  9. ↑ Tracey, Mollie (27 June 2019). "Time for ag women to grab all opportunities". Farm Weekly. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  10. ↑ "Peter Klinken appointed new Chief Scientist of WA". News. The University Of Western Australia. 10 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 March 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  11. ↑ "Klinken appointed WA's new chief scientist". SBS News. Special Broadcasting Service. 10 June 2014. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.

Further reading

  • Klinken, Peter (December 2014). "For the record: 'Team WA' approach needed". Medicus. 54 (11): 39. ISSN 1035-6037.
  • Klinken, Peter (2015). "Earth, sea and sky: Communicate, collaborate and innovate". AQ - Australian Quarterly. 86 (3): 28–31. ISSN 1443-3605.
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