News blog

Australia’s top government scientist quits

Australia’s first ever full-time chief scientist has unexpectedly quit in the middle of her five-year term.

In a letter released on 18 February, Penny Sackett was vague about the reasons behind her departure. “Institutions, as well as individuals grow and evolve, and for both personal and professional reasons, the time is now right for me to seek other ways to contribute,” she wrote.

A number of Australian researchers have praised Sackett’s work, and expressed surprise at her departure.

Innovation Minister Kim Carr said in a statement, “She has been a terrific communicator at home and abroad, and has helped convey complicated messages about the issues confronting Australia.”

Former astronomy researcher Sackett will end her tenure as chief scientist on 4 March.

Comments

Comments are closed.