Professor Tony Haymet appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist

The federal government has announced Professor Tony Haymet as the nation’s new Chief Scientist, replacing Dr Cathy Foley in the three-year role.

Haymet was named as Foley’s successor and Australia’s tenth Chief Scientist on Tuesday.

The role involves providing “authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities” and is appointed by the prime minister.

Industry minister Ed Husic told the ABC on Monday morning that Haymet “has been assessed as demonstrating exceptional leadership, particularly [during] his time at the CSIRO, heading up marine and atmospheric research.

“He’s someone who is focussed a lot on the issue and the impact of climate change. And he’s also demonstrated an ability to turn scientific concepts into commercial reality as well, with some of his work in ocean robotics.”

The new Chief Scientist is co-owner of MRV Systems, which manufactures ocean robotic systems and has sites in Chicago, San Diego and Seattle. 

Haymet is an oceanographer and vice-chancellor emeritus at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, and his biography also lists him as co-founder of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System, the Western Australian Marine Science Institution, and the CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship.

Picture: credit Scripps Institution of Oceanography