WAIMR Researcher Set to Help Establish New Science Council

December 9th, 2009 - Media Statement

Dr Kristen Nowak from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research has been selected to help establish a new Council for Science and Innovation that will act as an advisory committee to the State Government.

Her appointment comes following her being named WA Young Scientist of the Year in 2007.

The announcement of the independent committee - an amalgamation of the previous Science and Innovation Council and the Technology and Industry Advisory Council - was made at this year's WA Science Awards presentations, held last week, by Minister for Science and Innovation the Hon Troy Buswell.

The Council will develop policies and strategies to strengthen innovation, technology and science sectors in WA and create more opportunities to connect industry with research.

The interim advisory board set up to establish the Council by mid-next year will be chaired by WA entrepreneur Charlie Morgan. Other members include Chevron Australia's general manager Colin Beckett, Dr Mal Bryce AO and Dr Erica Smyth.

Dr Nowak said she was honoured to be able to help steer the future direction of the state in these areas.

"I am humbled to have been invited to participate on the Council along with such highly-regarded figures, charged with helping structure a strategic plan for the State's future in science," she said.

"I'm delighted that the Science Minister has shown such strong support and vision for the scientific sector in Western Australia."

"We have a rare opportunity to build upon the State's strengths in a diverse and unique range of scientific pursuits, in order to secure WA's position as an important leader and crucial contributor in the worldwide scientific arena."

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said he was pleased the Institute was helping play a role in growing the innovation, technology and science industries in WA.

"It's wonderful to see Kristen being further recognised as an important player in the State and being given an opportunity to share her ideas and visions for sectors that will no doubt become increasingly important to WA in the decade ahead," he said.

For more information please contact:
Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377
Email: carolyn.monaghan@waimr.uwa.edu.au