The future of Australian science and technology is looking bright, following the election of nine new members to the Board of peak body Science & Technology Australia.
The new Board members are:
- Agricultural and food sciences: Dr Damien Belobrajdic, Nutritional Society of Australia (SA Co-Chair); Senior scientist at CSIRO Health and Biosecurity
- Biological Sciences: Professor Eileen McLaughlin, Society for Reproductive Biology; Executive Dean of Science and Technology, University of Canberra
- Chemical Sciences: Dr Tom Cresswell, Vice-President, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Australasia; Isotope ecologist, ANSTO
- Geological and Geographical Sciences: Marina Costelloe, Australian Geoscience Council; President, Australian Society for Geophysics
- Mathematical sciences: Professor Adrian Barnett, Statistical Society of Australia (President); Statistician, Queensland University of Technology
- Physical sciences: Associate Professor Cathryn Trott, Astronomical Society of Australia (Incoming President); Curtin University and Node Leader, ASTRO 3D
- Plant and Ecological sciences: Professor Rachel Burton, Australian Society of Plant Scientists; Head of Department of Plant Science, University of Adelaide
- Technological sciences: Dr Branwen Morgan, Australasian Genomic Technologies Association; General Manager, Ausgem, University of Technology Sydney
- General member representative: Jasmine Chambers, National Tertiary Education Union; General Manager, Science, University of Sydney
The new Board members work in a range of roles at major Australian science agencies, tertiary institutions, and cross-sector collaborative organisations, and bring to STA a depth of experience in governance, strategy and leadership, as well as in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Professor Johnston said the new team brings enthusiasm, experience, new perspectives and diversity to the Board.
“We were thrilled by the response to our call for leaders to apply, which is a reflection of the organisation’s success and the calibre of those departing the Board,” Professor Johnston said.
“Our members have elected brave, articulate, experienced and passionate STEM professionals to support STA’s bold strategy as we work towards our mission of advancing the role, reputation and impact of science and technology.”
STA President Professor Emma Johnston AO thanked the outgoing Board members for their dedication and leadership, which has led to a significant expansion in STA’s programs and initiatives, and a growing capacity to speak as the lead voice for science and technology in Australia.
“During their terms over the last two years, each of our outgoing Board members has made an important contribution to our strategy and success,” Professor Johnston said.
“On behalf of the organisation, I’m grateful for the time and the work they’ve put in to building our capacity to advocate for the sector.”
Outgoing Board members are: Professor Dianne Jolley, Professor Coral Warr, Dr Duanne White, Professor Geoff Prince, Professor Andrew Peele, Professor Ulrike Mathesius, Professor Brian Yates, and Mr Peter Elford.
The STEM sector is central to Australia’s strong and competitive economy, resilient environment, and healthy population, Professor Johnston added.
“With evidence-based policy, strong support for scientific research, and better retention of our best minds in Australia – we will be well on our way to global success,” she said.
“With more STEM-skilled women and men in the workforce, we will have a much stronger foundation for innovation, and Australia’s environment, health, wealth and wellbeing will all prosper.”
Visit the STA website to meet the Board and learn about STA’s member organisations. Representing more than 70,000 STEM professionals through ~70 organisations, STA is a strong voice for the nation’s STEM sector.
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