Professor Penny Sackett, appointed earlier today as Australia’s new Chief Scientist

Credit: COSMOS magazine

COSMOS, Australia’s #1 science magazine, applauded the appointment of Professor Penny Sackett as Australia’s new Chief Scientist and hoped it would help put science at the core of future policy.

Editor-in-Chief and leading science commentator, Wilson da Silva, said the establishment of a full-time Chief Scientist by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr, announced earlier today, was an overdue recognition of the value of science and innovation to the economic health and well-being of Australia.

“A society that doesn’t understand the value of science does not utilise it, cannot learn from it, and risks not benefiting from it. It is not only unaware of its own scientific prowess, but unable to tap it,” he said.

“Appointing a full-time Chief Scientist is a significant step in the right direction. We need to get science out of the labs and museums and into the core of policy development at all levels of government. We need cabinet decisions informed and bolstered by the best science, and ministers keen and eager to engage with scientists in finding solutions.

“The UK’s former chief scientist, Sir David King, has made the point that the serious challenges we face today – across climate change, food and water security, deforestation, to name a few – are major ones that will require scientists to be at the core of decision making, not just as a periphery of advisers you call in when the plumbing’s not working.

“Professor Sackett is a highly respected astronomer who is well connected at an international level and has an excellent reputation for being both innovative and capable of managing complex scientific projects that break new ground and develop new technologies. She will play a vital role in advising the Federal Government on emerging issues in science and innovation.”

Mr da Silva noted that, in his announcement, Senator Carr hoped Professor Sackett will also encourage young Australians to see science as an exciting career option.

“Science drives modern economies: it is industries based on innovation that create new services, new products and new jobs – and the wellspring of that innovation is science,” he added. “So it is absolutely essential we make science a career option for our children.

“Science is a living, breathing segment of our society where interesting people do amazing things, and where young people can have rewarding, fulfilling lives. By telling the stories of science in a personal, engaging and very visual way in COSMOS magazine and our daily news website, Cosmos Online, we are doing our bit to make science relevant and engaging.

“COSMOS magazine reaches 60% of Australian high schools, and our Cosmos Teacher’s Notes are keenly used by science teachers as a tool to engage students in the value and excitement of science. And we run an internship program which has trained almost 30 science students in science communication. We’re proud of the positive impact we are having in education.”

ABOUT COSMOS MAGAZINE: COSMOS is a print magazine and an daily online news service that treats science as natural part of culture. Published in Sydney and with a global outlook, it has taken out 24 awards in three years, including the inaugural Lord Mayor’s Sustainability Award from the City of Sydney in 2008 and Magazine of the Year in 2006 at Australia’s annual Bell Awards for Publishing Excellence. Its advisory board includes Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and it was founded by the successful Melbourne-based neuroscientist and entrepreneur, and now Chancellor of Monash University, Dr Alan Finkel.

ABOUT LUNA MEDIA: Luna Media is unique in its approach to publishing in print and online, combining engaging but rigorous content with experts who know how to create and sustain valuable brands and publications. It relies on an in-house team of award-winning science and environment journalists to produce its two flagship brands, COSMOS and G Magazine, Australia’s #1 consumer sustainability title and the country’s most comprehensive green content site, with daily news, blogs and video. Luna Media also has a stringent and independent editorial approach focused on accuracy as well as easy readability. It is Australia's first carbon neutral media company, uses 100% GreenPower in its operations, and utilises an advisory board that includes Dr Tim Flannery and Sir Richard Branson.