Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has welcomed the appointment of Professor Doug Hilton AO as CSIRO’s new Chief Executive. 

“I warmly welcome the decision to appoint Professor Douglas Hilton as CSIRO’s new Chief Executive,” Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said. 

“Professor Hilton brings decades of experience to this role, which will no doubt prove invaluable to helping address some of Australia’s greatest scientific challenges.” 

Minister Husic also says that Professor Hilton’s research into blood cell production and communication has helped Australians live longer and healthier lives. 

Related: CSIRO launches new program for cyber security businesses 

Professor Hilton is Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the Lorenzo and Pamela Galli Chair in Medical Biology and head of the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Melbourne. 

As a molecular and cellular biologist, Professor Hilton has dedicated the past 14 years to improving outcomes for cancer patients, as well as those suffering infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and age-related diseases. 

”Beyond this, he has shown a real commitment to boost gender equality and diversity in sciences, something I am also incredibly passionate about,” Minister Husic said. 

CSIRO’s current Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall will complete his third and final term on 30 June. He has served as the organisation’s Chief Executive since January 2015. 

Dr Marshall, who has overseen a range of significant projects during his tenure, will leave as CSIRO’s longest serving Chief Executive in the past 50 years. 

“After serving eight years in the top job with CSIRO, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Larry Marshall for his significant contribution as Chief Executive,” Minister Husic said. 

“Dr Marshall has demonstrated a deep commitment to Australian science, and led the organisation through some difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which truly tested the mettle of our scientific capabilities.” 

CSIRO Executive Director Kirsten Rose will act in the Chief Executive role from 1 July until Professor Hilton commences on 29 September this year. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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