The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) welcomes the appointment of Professor Doug Hilton AO FTSE FAA FAHMS as CSIRO’s Chief Executive.
Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE FAICD, President of the Academy has welcomed the appointment and looks forward to continuing a strong collaborative partnership with Australia’s national science agency CSIRO under Professor Hilton’s leadership.
“I know ATSE Fellows will join me in welcoming Doug to this vital role and celebrate a respected researcher and Fellow for leading CSIRO at such a critical time for science in Australia and globally.
“The future of our nation’s approach to climate change mitigation and adaption, building a STEM workforce for tomorrow, and driving innovation and commercialisation depends on moving from potential to practical solutions – a pathway CSIRO has an established reputation for creating decade after decade.
“Doug and I share a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in the STEM sector, and I look forward to working with him to help Australians understand and use technology to solve complex problems. Our values and our focus are aligned,” Dr Woodthorpe said.
ATSE Fellow Professor Hilton is currently the Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), the Lorenzo and Pamela Galli Chair in Medical Biology and Head of the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Melbourne. Professor Hilton is a strong advocate for diversity in STEM and was named the 2020 Melbournian of the Year for contributions to diversity advocacy and championing fundamental science. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016 for distinguished service to medical research and education, particularly in the field of haematology, as a molecular biologist and author and as a mentor to young scientists.
Professor Hilton became a Fellow of ATSE in 2010 for his service and excellence in medical research, including significant discoveries in the molecular regulation of blood cell development and their translation into clinical studies by collaborating with industry. His developments have paved the way for new research in cancer.
Outgoing CSIRO Chief Executive, ATSE Fellow Dr Larry Marshall FTSE is completing his third and final term at the end of June 2023 after serving as the Chief Executive since 2015.
“As CSIRO’s longest-serving Chief Executive, Dr Marshall has played an integral role in encouraging a stronger approach to research commercialisation, creating new national missions, and transforming the impact of our national science agency,” said Professor Woodthorpe.
“We are indebted to his years of service and look forward to continuing to work with Larry through his Fellowship of ATSE.”
Until Professor Hilton commences on 29 September 2023, ATSE Fellow and CSIRO’s Executive Director Future Industries Kirsten Rose FTSE has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive.