Visionary leader and ocean governance expert Jas Chambers has become Science & Technology Australia’s new President – with a drive to bring science, business, and government together to generate the industry and economy of tomorrow.
Ms Chambers brings her deep experience of working in governance, policy, and international diplomacy to this sector-leading role, along with a remarkable record of science leadership.
She is the Chair and Co-Founder of Ocean Decade Australia – an organisation which works across a complex stakeholder environment to create a sustainable ocean future. She has worked in numerous senior science leadership roles, including 21 years in the higher education sector at the University of Sydney and as Chair of the New South Wales Executive Committee for National Science Week and Inspiring Australia from 2011–2021. Ms Chambers led international science diplomacy at the Bureau of Meteorology, including with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
“Science & Technology Australia is the voice for the nation’s scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians, with deep influence in public policy and a clear focus on supporting the STEM community, governments, and industry to solve humanity’s greatest challenges,” she said.
“Addressing those challenges requires strategic and sustained investment for essential discovery research that secures career progression and stability for STEM professionals, enabling pathways for innovation and partnership with industry to bring new products, jobs, and services to market. It is not a choice. They are inextricably linked – discovery research drives innovation.”
“Securing a strong and growing pipeline of people who undertake STEM-based training from school and through higher education is critically important for sustaining long-term economic growth, building sovereign capability, and enabling our nation to respond to complex technological and environmental challenges.
“We need to bring the science, business and industry communities together. STEM-literate people need a seat at decision-making tables, providing expert opinion, advice and insights that you do not get from anywhere else. But we also need to equip STEM professionals with an understanding of how we contribute to the economy and productivity. There are excellent two-way lessons to learn with the business community and industry to unlock new opportunities on both sides.”
“The upcoming final report of the Strategic Examination of R&D must articulate the need for greater connectedness, cohesion, certainty and long-term strategy across the entire system, acknowledging that research and development is fundamental to Australia’s economic future and to ensure a safe, prosperous and resilient nation in the decades to come.”
Ms Chambers succeeds Professor Sharath Sriram, whose remarkable track record of research and commercialisation has been recognised with his appointment as Western Australia’s Chief Scientist.
“Sharath has been an outstanding leader for STA and the STEM sector. Under his leadership, STA’s advocacy has been a powerful catalyst for change. On behalf of the whole STEM community, I thank him for his dedicated work that continues in his new role as WA’s Chief Scientist.”
Media contact: Paul Richards – media@sta.org.au or 0412 145 905
