THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Friday, 5 September 2008
122/2008
NEW CHIEF DEFENCE SCIENTIST APPOINTED
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP,
announced today that Professor Robert Clark will be appointed as Chief Defence
Scientist and head the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).
“Professor Clark brings significant national and international expertise and a strong
background in scientific research and is an eminent scientist in the field of quantum
computing,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Professor Clark has also held senior appointments within universities and research
councils and has extensive experience in collaborating with industry, government and
defence agencies within Australia and overseas.”
He currently holds several professorial and director appointments, including Director
of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer
Technology within the University of New South Wales; a role which encompasses
scientific leadership in cutting-edge quantum computing research along with
governance of the Centre’s operations.
“Professor Clark is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and was an
inaugural Australian Government Federation Fellow,” said Mr Snowdon.
“He has a genuine connection with Defence, having joined the Royal Australian Navy
(RAN) as a Cadet Midshipman in 1969,” said Mr Snowdon.
“Following graduation from the RAN College and with a Bachelor of Science degree
from the University of New South Wales, Professor Clark served in eight RAN ships
gaining a range of professional qualifications before leaving the Navy in 1979.”
Professor Clark was appointed from a competitive field of public and private sector
candidates, and will assume the role of Chief Defence Scientist in October 2008.
“His appointment follows the accomplished stewardship of Dr Roger Lough who led
DSTO over 4 years of modernisation and reform. Amongst other achievements, Dr
Lough championed the use of simulation in Defence to undertake experiments and
test operational concepts at a fraction of existing costs, Mr Snowdon said.
“I also wish to acknowledge the acting Chief Defence Scientist Dr Ian Sare, and the
entire DSTO leadership team, for their excellent work during this time of transition.”
“I am confident that under the leadership of Professor Clark, DSTO will build upon
existing collaborations with industry and academia and continue the cutting-edge
research in fields ranging from hypersonic jet engines and quantum computing to
nano and biotechnology and materials research,” Mr Snowdon said.
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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