Chief Scientist For South Australia

Primary roles

• to provide independent advice to the Minister, Premier and Cabinet on matters of science, research, technology and innovation
• to co-chair the Premier’s Science and Research Council with the Premier

with administrative and operational support from the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology’s Science and Innovation Directorate.

The Chief Scientist works with South Australian agencies, councils and committees involved in science, research, technology, innovation and economic development to develop an integrated understanding of and approach to relevant issues, and to promote an outcomes focussed, performance driven approach to improving the State’s performance in science and technology, research and innovation.

Leadership

In addition to his leadership of the Premier’s Science and Research Council, the Chief Scientist:

• provides leadership in developing strategies to enhance the contribution of science, technology, research and innovation to the State’s development (economic, environmental and social) 
• represents the South Australian Government as appropriate on matters related to science, technology, research and innovation
• raises the research and innovation profile of South Australia, including South Australian community awareness of the State’s capabilities, and the important contribution science, technology, research and innovation make to the State’s development.

Information about the Chief Scientist

Dr C. Ian Chessell was appointed South Australia’s Chief Scientist in March 2008. After completing a PhD in physics at Melbourne University in 1970, Dr Chessell followed a career in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, retiring as Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist in 2003. Dr Chessell served as a member of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (2001-2003) and in 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to defence science.  Dr Chessell was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 2003.

Dr Chessell is the Chairman of QinetiQ Pty Ltd and is also currently a member of the Defence South Australia Advisory Board and of the Board of the Anglo-Australian Telescope. He was the Chair of the independent Technology Advisory Council of Tenix Pty Ltd for 2004-07 and has held positions as Adjunct Professor in Systems Engineering with the University of South Australia and as Chair of the School of Chemistry and Physics External Advisory Board at Adelaide University.

Dr Chessell chaired the Commonwealth Government’s reviews of National ICT Australia in 2005 and of the Anglo-Australian Telescope in 2006. He was a member of the Commonwealth Government’s Review of the CSIRO’s Flagship Program in 2006.