Accomplished nanotech researcher and RMIT University commercialisation leader Sharath Sriram has been named Western Australia’s new chief scientist — its first new top science advisor in more than a decade.
Professor Sriram, also currently president of Science & Technology Australia (STA), takes the reins on Tuesday, replacing the state’s longest-serving chief scientist of all time, Peter Klinken.
Professor Klinken made known his intentions to retire last year and will exit the role after 11 years at the end of this week. He leaves a legacy that spans a pandemic, the launch of WA’s first spacecraft from the United States and a long-term science and technology plan.
Professor Sriram joins the WA government as its foremost science, technology and innovation advisor after more than 20 years’ researching and commercialising nanoelectronics, sensors and medical technologies.
Dubbed the “connector of commercialisation”, he has spent the last 16 years at RMIT University, most recently as director of its Discovery to Device advanced manufacturing facility.
The influential academic, who also remains chief investigator at several research hubs, also co-founded two health technology startups, Fragment BioTech and Lubdub AI, over the past two years.
Announcing the appointment on Tuesday, WA Premier Roger Cook said Professor Sriram would help the state to continue building out its science and technology capabilities.
“I welcome Professor Sharath Sriram to the role and know that with his wealth of experience, WA is in a safe pair of hands when it comes to further unlocking our science and technology potential.”
“My government is focused on ensuring the expertise and guidance from our chief scientist benefits the lives of Western Australians as well as help plan for our future,” he said in a statement.
STA chief executive Ryan Winn described the government’s pick as a “superb choice”, adding that Professor Sriram is a outstanding researcher with runs on the board turning great ideas through into viable businesses.
“The advice he’ll offer to the Western Australia Government as part of his new role will ensure that state is getting the best possible science and technology guidance,” Mr Winn said.
“Such is his incredible acumen and depth of skills, he will give the Western Australia Government a commercial advantage in developing the industries of the future.”
“We look forward to seeing Western Australia power ahead in science and technology under his guidance.”
Mr Cook and Science and Innovation minister Stephen Dawson thanked Professor Klinken for his long service as WA’s chief scientist.
“As the outgoing and longest serving chief scientist… concludes his term, I want to sincerely thank him for his dedication and enduring contribution to science in Western Australia,” Mr Dawson added.
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