Chief Scientist Resigns After Serving less Than Half Her Appointment. (February 19, 2011)

The first full-time Chief Scientist for Australia, Professor Penny Sackett (54), yesterday tendered her resignation on two-weeks notice (effective March 4, 2011). Professor Sackett took up the position of Chief Scientist for Australia in November 2008 having resigned from her research position at ANU. She remained an adjunct professor at the university, however, to continue working with the research students she was then currently supervising.

At the time of her appointment, ANU's Vice-Chancellor, Ian Chubb, said of her: "It’s encouraging to see that the government has chosen an academic leader who has plenty of experience but also lots of energy and many more years to commit to scientific advancement. Penny is also a passionate advocate for science, and astronomy in particular. I know she will inspire many more young Australians to tackle the big problems we face as a nation and as a species. I’m confident that she will excel as Chief Scientist."

The media release from Senator Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, was at best perfunctory, while Professor Sackett's open letter posted on the Chief Scientist's website stated: "This is not a decision that I have taken lightly or quickly. Institutions, as well as individuals grow and evolve, and for both personal and professional reasons, the time is now right for me to seek other ways to contribute."

She followed up: "The institution of the Chief Scientist, through its Office, has defined and begun to deliver on its mission of Contributing to the well-being of Australia through provision of clear, authoritative and independent scientific advice to her Government and her people."

This sudden announcement by the designated chief scientific advisor to the Australian government should be deeply disturbing to the nation's scientific community in particular as well as our population as a whole in regard to the position of  science in the formulation of governmental policy.

The Sydney Morning Herald today reports:

Sources said she had a tense working relationship with Senator Carr, who came to regret appointing her to the role and over time increasingly looked to the CSIRO chief executive, Megan Clark*, for science advice. Sources said Senator Carr found Professor Sackett too outspoken and opinionated, and felt she did not give sufficient regard to Labor's agenda and the processes of government. A spokeswoman for Senator Carr denied those suggestions yesterday. Professor Sackett was also understood to be frustrated about a lack of progress in government efforts to address climate change.
 

According to Senator Carr's media release the Department is now beginning its search for an individual to replace Professor Sackett. It will be interesting to see who will be prepared to take on the position, one that appears to have been of little interest to Kevin Rudd during his tenure as Prime Minister or currently to his successor Julia Gillard.

_____________________________________________________________

* Dr Megan Clark began her career as a mine geologist and subsequently worked in mineral exploration, mine geology, research and development management, venture capital and technical strategy areas with Western Mining Corporation for fifteen years. More recently she was Vice President Technology and prior to that Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment, Community and Sustainability with BHP Billiton. She was appointed CSIRO's Chief Executive for a five year term beginning in January 2009.