New body of wisdom

November 2018

The Australian Government will replace the Commonwealth Science Council with a new peak advisory body, the National Science and Technology Council.

Chaired by the Prime Minister, it will also include the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, and six appointed scientific experts:

• Australian National University's cultural anthropologist and technologist Professor Genevieve Bell;
• University of Melbourne fungal plant pathologist Professor Barbara Howlett;
• University of Sydney mathematician Professor Geordie Williamson;
• Griffity University deputy vice chancellor and metabolism and diabetes researcher Professor Debra Henly;
• Australian National University vice chancellor and astro-physicist Professor Brian Schmidt; and
• University of Queensland cervical cancer vaccine co-inventor Professor Ian Frazer

Australia's chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel will continue as chief executive officer, while CSIRO's chief executive officer Dr Larry Marshall will join the body as an ex officio member.

Not included will be the federal Health Minister, who is responsible for health and medical research investments.