CSIRO appoints Professor Bronwyn Fox as new Chief Scientist

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has appointed Swinburne University of Technology’s Professor Bronwyn Fox as its next Chief Scientist.

Professor Fox, CSIRO’s fourth female Chief Scientist, joins CSIRO from her role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Swinburne University. At Swinburne, she has accelerated the academic institution’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, building extensively on its Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Professor Fox was also the Founding Director of Swinburne’s Manufacturing Futures Research Institute, and as such has a strong reputation for bringing together researchers across scientific domains, integrating digital capability and working with industry to deliver brilliant outcomes – all critical attributes for the Chief Scientist of Australia’s national science agency.

“Bronwyn exemplifies the CSIRO way – driven to deliver, brilliant but humble, leading by listening, and a generous collaborator,” commends Dr Larry Marshall, the Chief Executive of CSIRO.

“Her sustained commitment to supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry in Australia strongly supports our purpose to deliver solutions from science that drive Australia’s economic recovery and resilience.”

A full circle.

Having worked with CSIRO scientists for over 30 years and once a CSIRO research assistant herself, this appointment marks a complete circle in Professor Fox’s research and scientific career.

“It is wonderful to return to CSIRO as the Chief Scientist after starting there as a fresh graduate back in the 1990s. I am passionate about championing science research and capability, as well as working with industry and fostering STEM careers,” she adds.“The depth of scientific research at CSIRO and its committed people are a unique and special national treasure and I look forward to taking up the role.”

Heartiest congratulations to Professor Fox from everyone at Team DUG. We look forward to seeing her continuing CSIRO’s important work championing science, and its impact and contribution to the world.