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“Meet the Chiefs” is an occasional series by Petra Stock. She previously held the role of Chief Scientist at CSIRO.
Professor Peter Klinken describes his role as akin to that of a consultant, but to Western Australia’s premier he is a “thinker in residence”.
For issues that require a scientific perspective, Klinken, Washington state’s chief scientist, gathers evidence and takes out the “nerd talk” before presenting it to policymakers.
It could be an answer to a question from the Minister, or it could be an issue or occasion that the Minister thinks is important to report on. Issues range from energy transition, biosecurity, intellectual property, space, and remote control.
Before taking this position in 2014, Mr. Klinken was a leading medical researcher and biochemist. Early in his career he worked as a middle school teacher.
Now, as chief scientist, he sits outside of academia, the political system and public service, a position Klinken says provides him with a “helicopter perspective.”
It offers the rare privilege of presenting evidence as he sees it. And Klinken is now able to interact with people and “knock on doors” throughout the state’s political, bureaucratic, and educational systems.
“A lot of people lock themselves in their silos and focus on diving deep and doing their own specific things. It’s about trying,” he says.
All advice he provides is independent, unfiltered and apolitical. “At that point, he simply gathers all the available evidence and presents it to policymakers,” Klinken said.
However, to perform their role effectively, they need to understand political systems, public services, and the context and time period in which they operate.
“You just need to make sure you are aware of other factors that may influence the decisions you have to make.”
A lot of people are in their own silo, focused on diving deep and doing their own particular thing.My job is to look at the scenery from a helicopter, sit in the sky and connect the dots.
Professor Peter Klinken
Klinken is currently deeply involved in the development of Western Australia’s new Strategic Science and Technology 10-Year Plan, which is expected to be completed in the middle of this year.
Queensland is also refreshing and expanding its science strategy, with the state’s chief scientist, Professor Kerry Wilson, leading the effort.
The new strategy will build on the existing ‘Engaging Queenslanders in Science’ strategy and encompass new elements such as scientific infrastructure and workforce development.
While Klinken may be one of the state’s longest-serving chief scientists, Wilson is one of the newest, having taken the job last November.
Her professional background is as a researcher in environmental science and conservation, an interest that “started during her early years in close proximity to some really beautiful parts of Queensland like Kgari.” [formerly Fraser Island] and the humid tropics. ”
Mr Wilson’s expertise and network will help the state meet key environmental issues such as land clearing and the latest ambitious 2035 emissions targets announced by Premier Stephen Miles – 75% below 2005 levels. It is likely to be helpful when working on the best method. December.
There are similar stories in the West. Klinken said his top priorities, or “numbers 1 through 10,” are the state’s energy transition and decarbonization.
“There is nothing more important to Western Australia, Australia and the planet than getting this transition right.”
In both states, the role of the chief scientist is to provide independent advice on such matters. Ultimately, it is up to elected representatives to decide how that advice is implemented and what decisions are made.
But Wilson says there is growing public demand for policy to be evidence-based.
“Chief scientists provide the means to ask for that evidence and provide it in a bipartisan and nonpolitical way,” she says.
Mr Wilson added that the presence of a state-based chief executive with a mandate to engage and participate in science and promote Queensland’s research output meant that “science underpins much of our economic growth and many of the jobs of the future will be It’s also a recognition that it’s STEM-related.” ”.
Being a lead scientist is like being a connecter of the dots, allowing you to have a broad perspective across different disciplines and institutions.
Professor Kelly Wilson
That’s why she’s working closely with Queensland’s “top entrepreneur” Julia Spicer on initiatives like the Low Carbon Accelerator.
Energy transition and decarbonization may be the central focus, but they are not the only issues that require scientific advice.
For example, Klinken was asked to review the state’s response to a biosecurity pest called tomato-potato psyllid. This pest is a small insect that can damage crop yields and spread disease.
Mr Wilson has been tasked with chairing and providing advice to a new quantum innovation body after the Queensland Government committed $76 million towards a new quantum strategy.
Both are science “cheerleaders” and promote the importance of science and technology in their communities.
While Mr Klinken and Mr Wilson are focused on their respective states’ best interests, New South Wales’ Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-White and Victoria’s Chief Scientist Amanda Caples They may also collaborate with chief scientists and leading scientists from other states, such as Drs. State and territory representatives – under the convening of Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley.
Although they may be from different sides of the country, there are many common issues and commonalities between chief scientists, and even similar words to describe their respective roles.
Wilson says being chief scientist is “like a network generator, a dot connector.” […] We have broad visibility across related fields and agencies across government. ”
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