• Professor Tanya Monro has been appointed as the Chief Defence Scientist. @cpyne
    Professor Tanya Monro has been appointed as the Chief Defence Scientist. @cpyne
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Professor Tanya Monro has been appointed as the Chief Defence Scientist, taking the helm of Defence Science and Technology (DST) group at a time of increasing requirements for scientific and technology to advance Defence capability.

Professor Monro is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of SA, where she has delivered significant organisational transformation and positive cultural change. She has worked in both significant national and international roles whilst working on various boards and committees, including the Prime Minister’s Science Council and the SA Premier’s Science and Industry Council.

Professor Monro is recognised for her significant contribution to the understanding of how light can be generated, controlled and used to probe and manipulate matter.

Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne and the Minister for Defence Industry Steven Ciobo welcomed the appointment of Professor Monro.

“Professor Monro will bring her extensive experience working at senior levels in both Industry and Educational Institutions to this integral and nationally significant role. In a complex and changing environment she will lead and develop the Defence science organisation whilst collaborating with research agencies, industry and international partners,” Minister Pyne said. 

Minister Ciobo said Professor Monro will continue to drive quality research and advice on all scientific and technological matters to senior Defence leaders and government whilst leading national research programs that directly impact Defence capability.

“Professor Monro has a strong understanding of the capability needs of the ADF with an established network across Defence Industry and Defence on a global scale in the scientific field. As the Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Monro will continue to develop enduring and robust relationships with industry and partners,” Minister Ciobo said.

Professor Monro will commence as the Chief Defence Scientist in March 2019.

The Ministers also thanked outgoing Chief Defence Scientist Alex Zelinsky.

“Under his leadership DST has forged new partnerships with industry, academia and international allies, ensuring Defence retained a capability edge through the collaborative development of game-changing technologies,” Minister Pyne said.

“Dr Zelinsky was instrumental in establishing long-term bilateral research and development relationships with Australian companies, universities and international partners in areas of strategic significance to Defence,” Minister Ciobo said. 

Dr Zelinsky will take up the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Newcastle.

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