Science and Technology Council

The council provides strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of Western Australia’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan.
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The Western Australian Government has appointed thirteen members to the newly established Science and Technology Council. They are set to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of Western Australia’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan.

The Plan, released in December 2024, outlines a vision to enhance and leverage the State’s scientific and technological capabilities to support economic growth, societal wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

As part of the Plan, the Science and Technology Council offer independent advice on emerging opportunities and challenges, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strengthening connections between government, academia and industry.

The Council will play a critical role in tracking progress toward the Plan’s objectives, while advising government on long-term priorities and developments across Western Australia’s science and technology ecosystem.

WA Chief Scientist Professor Sharath Sriram will chair the Science and Technology Council, which includes 13 members representing a wide range of expertise in science, research, innovation and commercialisation.

Expressions of interest to join the Council attracted a huge response, with 114 submissions received from across WA.

Members were selected to ensure diversity across sectors, disciplines and demographics.

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10-Year Science and Technology Plan

See WA's 10-Year Science and Technology Plan that outlines a strategic vision to enhance WA's scientific and technological capabilities over 10 years from 2025 to 2035
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Council Terms of Reference

Refer to the Terms of Reference for information on the Council's composition, functions and operating procedures.
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Council Communiques

Read discussion points from each meeting of Western Australia's Science and Technology Council

Council Statement of Purpose

View the Department's expectations regarding the Council's operation and contribution

Council members

Meet the members of Western Australia's Science and Technology Council

Professor Sharath Sriram (Chair)

Chief Scientist of WA


Deputy Director General of Industry, Science and Innovation (ex officio)

Department of Energy and Economic Diversification


Doctor Fiona Wood AO

Fiona Stanley and Perth Children's Hospitals


Professor Kadambot Siddique AM

The University of Western Australia


Professor James Arvanitakis

Forrest Research Foundation


Mark Stickells AM

Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre


Doctor Sarah Pearce

Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory


Professor Owen Nevin

Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute


Professor Peta Ashworth OAM

Curtin Institute for Energy Transition


Pia Turcinov AM

Fund WA Pty Ltd


Doctor Rob Hough

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) 


Nicole Roocke

Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia


Professor Margaret Jones 

Edith Cowan University

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