Dr Alan Finkel AO appointed as Prime Minister’s Chief Scientist
Dr Alan Finkel
Monash University extends congratulations to Dr Alan Finkel AO, University Chancellor, on his appointment as Chief Scientist of Australia. This prestigious role provides advice to the Prime Minister and cabinet on matters relating to science, technology and innovation. Dr Finkel replaces Professor Ian Chubb, who has held the role of Chief Scientist for the past five years.
“I would like to congratulate Dr Alan Finkel on his successful appointment. I am confident that his knowledge and experience will enable him to make significant contributions to the representation of science within Australia and globally,” Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO said.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last week committed to put science “right at the centre” of his Government’s agenda and at the “very heart” of its future. Dr Finkel, president of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, has long been an advocate for the national importance of research be it in the area of science, technology, humanities or social sciences.
“As Chief Scientist of Australia I will build on the work of the current Chief Scientist to advise on ways to invest optimally in our research endeavour and the translation of the research outcomes into national benefit,” Dr Finkel said.
Dr Alan Finkel AO, the University’s seventh Chancellor in its 55-year history, will retire his position at the end of this year, having served since January 2008.
Professor Gardner paid tribute to retiring Chancellor Dr Finkel for his extensive service to the University. “Dr Finkel has been an outstanding Chancellor of Monash, deeply engaged with its research and students. He has had a deep commitment to science and innovation throughout his career. He will make a thoughtful and committed ambassador and advocate as Chief Scientist,” Professor Gardner said.
Dr Finkel has been significantly involved in the capital developments at Monash and has contributed greatly to the University through his work in shaping the University’s built environment and his philanthropic donations to progress the development of the Bionic Eye, a device that seeks to restore vision in the sight-impaired.
“One of the best skills that I can bring to bear in my new role is to synthesise the ideas of others into clear recommendations. I’ve honed this skill at Monash University. Indeed, I have seen that it is possible to achieve success from the contributions of individually motivated departments and persons,” Dr Finkel said.
Dr Finkel will be succeeded as Chancellor by distinguished businessman and social entrepreneur Simon McKeon AO.