Posted: 29 January 2025
A world-leading oceanographer, chemist and entrepreneur has been appointed Australia’s next Chief Scientist.
Emeritus Professor Tony Haymet will become Australia’s tenth Chief Scientist, taking over from Dr Cathy Foley who recently finished her term.
Prior to his appointment, Professor Haymet was Chair of the Antarctic Science Foundation and Chair of the ATSE Climate Change Working Group.
He is a Distinguished Professor, Director and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.
Emeritus Professor Haymet has held senior roles in the CSIRO and is the founder of a company that manufactures in-ocean robots.
He is the author of 177 peer-reviewed publications and was the Chair of the Oceans Council at the World Economic Forum in 2012-13.
The role of Australia’s Chief Scientist is to provide authoritative, independent scientific advice to government, champion Australia’s science and research system and contribute to improving our scientific capability.
Professor Haymet’s three-year term will begin on 28 January 2025
For more information visit: www.chiefscientist.gov.au
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:
“Tony Haymet is an outstanding Australian, who will make an exceptional Chief Scientist.
“With a scientific background spanning several disciplines, along with the commercial runs on the board, Tony’s lived and breathed the value of scientific collaboration.
“He will make a powerful advocate for our world-class science and research community, with experience on the international stage as an advocate only adding to his stellar research career.
“Our new Chief Scientist has also been a fierce advocate for action on climate change, healthy oceans and the public value of science.
“I am confident he’ll do an excellent job in providing advice to government and being a vocal champion of Aussie science.”
Quotes attributable to Emeritus Professor Tony Haymet, Chief Scientist of Australia:
“I’m delighted to be appointed as the new Chief Scientist of Australia, it’s the role of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.
“Throughout my term I will be emphasising the importance of measurements, of data and scientific facts.
“My role is to support the scientists out on the farms, the deserts and oceans – it’s measuring what’s happening to our land, water and atmosphere.
“Another thing I learnt from working across the globe, is that kilo for kilo Australian scientists and engineers match it with the very best in the world.”
