Dr Alexander Zelinsky, an expert in information technology with the CSIRO, has been appointed as the Federal Government’s new Chief Defence Scientist and head of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

 

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said Dr Zelinsky was an internationally recognised scientist who had made substantial technical contributions, in addition to providing leadership to the high technology community.

 

"Since joining the CSIRO in 2004, Dr Zelinsky's focus was on building the research capabilities of his Group to address Australian national challenges, particularly in energy, health, agriculture, mining and environment sectors," he said.

 

"In his previous role as a Professor at the Australian National University, Dr Zelinsky was known for his pioneering work in developing novel technologies for human-machine interaction, which has been recognised as a key breakthrough technology by academia, industry and the wider community."

 

Dr Zelinsky will take up the appointment next year, taking over from Professor Robert Clark who announced his retirement in August.