Australia’s Chief Scientist provides authoritative and independent science advice on whole-of-Government science and technology priorities, to ensure the best evidence informs Government decision-making. The Chief Scientist works with the scientific community, research sector, government and industry, both in Australia and internationally, to provide this advice.

As Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Foley opens the front door for the Prime Minister and Ministers across Government to access a network of Australian and international science leaders through her membership of the chief scientists community.

Dr Foley is also focussing on improving the science and research system so that it:

• Provides more equitable access to research funding, for example through examining alternative approaches to measuring research performance
• Provides robust advice to inform policy development and decision making
• Provides free or low cost access to research publications (‘open access’), which will provide greater opportunities for Australian researchers to access the best and latest science
• Is better placed to translate research discoveries into commercialisation outcomes.

Australia’s Chief Scientist is the Executive Officer of the National Science and Technology Council, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. The Minister for Science is the deputy chair. The Council is the pre-eminent forum for providing scientific and technological advice for government policy and priorities, including through provision of Rapid Response Information Reports. 

How is the Chief Scientist appointed?

Australia’s Chief Scientist is appointed by the Prime Minister and engaged to provide independent science advice to government.

The Chief Scientist’s workplan is developed in consultation with the Minister for Science.

The Chief Scientist offers independent evidence-based advice through various avenues: directly to Government, through the National Science and Technology Council, and through other boards and committees of which the Chief Scientist is a member.

The Office of the Chief Scientist is hosted in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Staff of the Office of the Chief Scientist are members of the Australian Public Service.

The Chief Scientist's work plan

As Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Foley provides independent, evidence-based advice to Government on questions of science and technology, and issues of relevance to the science and research system. Dr Foley’s current areas of focus include:

Critical technologies

•    Providing advice on Australia’s capabilities in critical and emerging technologies to support the Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda and Australia’s strategic interests.

•    Chairing the Science Node of the Government’s Critical Technologies Hub which provides scientific advice about critical technologies.

Quantum

•    Supporting the development of Australia’s quantum industry domestically and internationally, including through the 2024 ‘Quantum Meets’ series workshops.

•    Chairing the National Quantum Advisory Committee, which provides strategic advice on the implementation of the National Quantum Strategy and focuses national efforts to grow the quantum sector.

•    Co-chairing the Quad Quantum Investors Network Centre of Excellence, which links individuals and institutions across the Quad countries and supports technological collaboration, market access, and cross-border investments.

Read more about quantum.

Science collaboration and sector improvement

•    Chairing the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists (FACS) and the Government Scientists Group (GSG), which provide mechanisms for collaboration between state and territory governments and across the Australian Government on issues relevant to the science and research sector. The FACS and the GSG meet quarterly.

Read more about the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists and the Government Scientists Group.

Open access

•    Engaging with relevant stakeholders to provide further advice to Government on models to improve access to academic literature in Australia. This work will contribute to public discourse and inform the Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development.

Read more about open access.

National Science and Research Priorities

•    With the National Science and Technology Council, continuing to provide advice to government and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources on implementation approaches.

Read the National Science and Research Priorities and the National Science Statement on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.

National Science and Technology Council

As Executive Officer of the National Science and Technology Council, supporting the work of the Council to deliver their advice to government, including in relation to 2 self-initiated projects to be delivered in the 2024–25 year:

1.    Information resilience: What makes individuals and populations susceptible to believing misinformation and disinformation - and what makes them resilient?

This project is being delivered in 4 reports. It aims to identify evidence-based interventions to misinformation and disinformation that can improve the ability of Australians to identify false or fabricated information and reduce susceptibility to false narratives and malign information environments.

2.    The Science Toolkit: Is Australia's research infrastructure fit for purpose and future proof?

This project will describe Australia’s research infrastructure system, explore Australia’s role as part of the global research infrastructure community, and consider whether Australia’s approach to managing our research infrastructure and associated capability is resilient to changing research needs and future threats and opportunities.

Find information about the NSTC and its work here.

Research assessment

Developing alternative approaches to the assessment of researchers to reduce reliance on journal citation numbers and rankings, and develop research assessment metrics that:

•    Improve recognition, recruitment and promotion of a diverse research workforce.

•    Increase the mobility of researchers between academia, government and the private sector.

This work will contribute to public discourse and inform the Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development.

Read the Chief Scientist's previous work plan.