CSIRO appoints new Chief Executive

Professor Doug Hilton AO has been appointed Chief Execitive of CSIRO succeeding Dr Larry Marshall who steps down at the end of June after three terms in the job. Professor Hilton, who starts the job in September, is Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. (WEHI), the Lorenzo and Pamela Galli Chair in Medical Biology and head of the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Melbourne.

Anouncing the appointment of Professor Hilton, the Chair of the CSIRO Board, Ms Kathryn Fagg, AO said: “Professor Hilton will be a great asset to CSIRO, as the national science agency strives to solve our greatest challenges. Doug is a much-respected researcher, leader and communicator of the better outcomes science can deliver. His 14 years leading WEHI have been exemplified by his passion for research, mentoring and supporting young researchers, building the infrastructure to support the creativity of researchers and a dedication to translating research to improve the lives of Australians.”

“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,” said Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic.

“Professor Hilton’s research into blood cell production and communication has helped Australians live longer, healthier lives. Beyond this, he has shown a real commitment to boost gender equality and diversity in sciences, something I am also incredibly passionate about.”

The Minister also paid tribute to Dr Larry Marshall who has filled the Chief Executive post since 2015.  “Dr Marshall has overseen a range of significant projects during his tenure and will leave as CSIRO’s longest serving Chief Executive in the past 50 years.

“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.”

For the past 14 years, under the direction of Professor Hilton, WEHI has grown to become a multi-disciplinary organisation that makes fundamental discoveries and works with partners to translate these into improved outcomes in cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and diseases of ageing.

“Beyond research, Doug has emphasised the importance of strong institutional cultures, and furthered diversity in science. A member of the Champion of Change Coalition and a board member of Australians Investing in Women, he has led initiatives to boost gender equality and diversity, and address better representation of women in senior roles in the Australian medical research sector.”

CSIRO is 100 years old and has, since 2016, invested $425 million in Horizon 3 future research, identified six National Challenges to focus on solving, launched Missions to tackle big, seemingly impossible problems and play a key role in the global response to COVID-19.

Kirsten Rose, CSIRO’s Executive Director Future Industries will be Acting Chief Executive from 1 July.