From The Australian: FORGET ageing male scientists dabbling in public service on a part-time basis:
Australia’s new full-time Chief Scientist is a woman at the peak of her career as an astronomer.
What is more, when Penny Sackett, of the Australian National University, takes up her new position in November, she will expand the role beyond providing high-level advice to the commonwealth Government, as her five male predecessors did.
“She will be a bellwether, an advocate (for science), a communicator and an ambassador,” Science and Research Minister Kim Carr said yesterday.
Professor Sackett, originally from the US state of Nebraska, is ready for a challenge. “I didn’t take this job because I thought it was easy,” she said. “It’s an extraordinarily rare opportunity I’ve been given to use the experience and skills I’ve gained working on three continents to, on one hand, communicate the beauty and joy of scientific discovery and, on the other, to use it for the common good.”
…Senator Carr said that after a global search, Professor Sackett was unanimously recommended by a committee of federal and academic experts: “She was the best candidate, pure and simple.”
Professor Sackett’s full-time position reverses the declining emphasis placed on the role under the Howard government, when it became a part-time position. It also goes far to reverse potential conflicts of interest, arising from dual allegiance.
…”I want frank, confidential advice, but I will also need public advice,” said Senator Carr, adding that they will meet monthly and have informal conversations as necessary.
“This role is one of an independent consultant,” Professor Sackett said. “I’d like to think I’m doing things for Australia. I’ll be the Chief Scientist for Australia, not of Australia.”
The appointment was welcomed by the scientific community.
“(She) brings a wealth of experience in managing complex, international science projects. That perspective will be invaluable as Australian science, innovation and research policy and funding must become more focused on global collaboration and mobility,” said Bradley Smith, executive director of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies, the peak representative body for 60,000 Australian scientists and technologists.
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This and a female governor general as well, the world is coming to an end
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