Professor Doug Hilton announced as incoming CSIRO Chief Exec

Molecular biologist Professor Doug Hilton (pictured) has been announced as the incoming Chief Executive of CSIRO, to begin on September 29. 

Hilton is currently Director at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, as well as head of the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Melbourne. 

He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016 for distinguished service to medical research and education, with numerous other accolades over the years for his contributions to biology, and has spent 14 years as a Director at WEHI.

“Professor Hilton’s research into blood cell production and communication has helped Australians live longer, healthier lives,” said federal industry minister Ed Husic.

Hilton will be the permanent replacement for Dr Larry Marshall, who will finish as Chief Executive at CSIRO on June 30 after more than eight years, making him the longest-serving head of the agency in the last half-century. Executive Director Kirsten Rose will head CSIRO in the interim.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Larry Marshall for his significant contribution,” added Husic.

“Dr Marshall has demonstrated a deep commitment to Australian science, and led the organisation through some difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which truly tested the mettle of our scientific capabilities.”

Picture: credit Czesia Markiewicz/WEHI