Innovation & research

In 2008 Professor Mary O'Kane was appointed NSW's first Chief Scientist and Engineer.

The appointment has helped stimulate innovation and ensure the State's research capacity keeps pace with the needs of the NSW economy, environment and the community.

The Chief Scientist and Engineer's responsibilities include:

• lifting the quality and level of scientific activity in NSW and guiding the development of strategies to link the State's knowledge capacity to the needs of government, business and industry
• providing independent advice to the NSW Government on science and innovation issues – including ways to ensure the State's research capacity and knowledge sectors drive innovation for the State, thereby delivering productivity growth for New South Wales
• encouraging effective engagement between government, business and the research sector, including the State's universities and research base
• working to accelerate the research effort in  New South Wales, particularly around our areas of strength
• representing the State's science and research sector on the NSW Innovation Council and being a key figure in advancing NSW interests in science, research and related innovation at the Commonwealth and global levels
• leading a discussion about the State's future workforce needs for science, engineering and innovation, including the science education and skills needs of industry, government and the broader community in underpinning disciplines such as mathematics and physics.

Visit the NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer's web site.