Professor Penny Sackett, Australia’s Chief Scientist, has resigned after two and a half years in the job, citing personal and professional reasons for her decision.

 

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr thanked Professor Sackett for her contribution, drawing attention to achievements during her term, including establishment of the Forum for Australian Chief Scientists with states and territories; founding of the Young Science Ambassadors Program to recruit some of Australia's brightest young minds to the world of science, and link their work to their communities;  development of  the Citizens’ Climate Tool to help people all over the world access and understand information about how climate change affects them in their homes.

 

Professor Sackett will leave the Chief Scientist position on Friday 4 March, and the Government has begun the process for the appointment of a new Chief Scientist.