Australia's Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham Resigns. (May 16, 2005)

    The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Brendan Nelson has announced the resignation of Robin Batterham, Australia's Chief Scientist.

The media release is reprinted below in full.

It is with regret that I announce that Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Robin Batterham has advised me of his intention not to seek reappointment for a third term.

After two full terms as Australia’s Senior Science Adviser, Dr Batterham has decided to accept a full time position with Rio Tinto, with whom he is currently engaged on a part time basis.

During Dr Batterham’s tenure, he was instrumental in encouraging investments in science and raising science awareness among the broader community.

Dr Batterham worked with the Australian Government to transform science and innovation investment, particularly through the Backing Australia’s Ability package which will result in $8.3 billion in funding over the period 2001-2011.

His commitment to advising ministerial colleagues in other portfolio areas has also been of great value, as has his interaction with State governments.

Dr Batterham has served with great enthusiasm and commitment as Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, the Australian Research Council, the Cooperative Research Centres Committee, the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science Committee and the Coordination Committee on Science and Technology.

On behalf of the Australian Government, I wish Dr Batterham all the best for his future work. The Australian science community has been greatly enriched by his contribution to it.

I have invited Dr Batterham to participate in the process to recommend to the Prime Minister a new Chief Scientist. I look forward to making an announcement on that appointment in the near future.