DR ROBIN BATTERHAM
Chief Scientist of Australia

The Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, advises the Australian Government on the contributions of science, technology and innovation to national goals and assists in ensuring that public investment in science and technology is properly focussed on issues of national priority. The Chief Scientist's duties are undertaken part time, ensuring that his advice remains genuinely independent, and is based on close and continuing contact with industry and research communities. Dr Batterham is also Chief Technologist, Rio Tinto Limited. He has had a distinguished career in research and technology, in the public and private sectors.

The Chief Scientist's activities include providing advice on science technology and innovation issues to the Australia Government and creating linkages between Government and science, engineering and industry groups. The Chief Scientist is Executive Officer of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council and chairs the Council's Standing Committee.

During 2003 the Chief Scientist chaired the Reference Group for the Government's taskforce to map Australia's science and innovation. He also provided advice to the Minister for Science on the adequacy of the national research priority implementation plans submitted to the Government by research and research funding agencies.