Former CSIRO Chief Executive Appointed Chairman of CSIRO Board. (July 3, 2007)

John Stocker, New CSIRO Chairman

    The federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, yesterday announced that Dr John Stocker, CSIRO's chief executive from 1990 to 1995 and the federal government's Chief Scientist from 1996 to 1999 has been appointed Chairman of CSIRO.

Dr Stocker is currently the chairman of Sigma Pharmaceuticals and a director of Telstra, Circadian Technologies and Nufarm.

According to Leigh Dayton the new chairman said that he would emphasise an agenda focused on basic research within the organisation.

If verified, that's a remarkable statement, and would signal a 180 degree shift in the policies being followed under the current chief executive officer, Dr Geoff Garrett and condoned by the Coalition government.

Nevertheless Dr Garrett told Ms Dayton, "He is a wonderful ambassador for science, and for the CSIRO, with strong business experience and acumen."

She also reports Dr Stocker saying: "I encourage scientists to speak to the media," and "he added that he hoped to have significant input into the CSIRO strategic plan for the next five years. If so, Dr Stocker has little time left, as staff have been advised by management that the draft plan with be distributed to them within weeks."