 |
| Dr Adi Paterson |
Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Chairman of the Board, today announced the appointment of Dr Adrian (Adi) Paterson as the next ANSTO Chief Executive. He will commence at ANSTO on March 1, 2009.
Dr Paterson is currently general manager, Business Development and Operations, at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company in South Africa. He has a BSc in Chemistry and a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cape Town.
Dr Paterson brings strong scientific credentials, especially in the field of materials science, wide experience in working with government and contributing to national policy development, attractive partnering and commercialisation skills, and a successful history of technical leadership and organisational change.
Dr Paterson has developed the processes underpinning the building of successful relationships between universities, national research institutes and government. He is a past Chair of the South Africa Innovation Fund and a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation.
Since 2006, his responsibilities at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company focused upon the development of a passively safe, high temperature gas reactor for process heat and international commercialisation.
From 2001 to 2006, Dr Paterson worked at the Department of Science and Technology in various science policy roles including the development of national innovation instruments and Research and Development strategy.
From 1984 to 2001, Dr Paterson worked at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (South Africa’s equivalent to CSIRO), rising through a number of assignments to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
“The Board is looking to Dr Paterson to lead ANSTO to the next level in its continuous improvement journey when the benefits of nuclear science and technology are enjoying increased recognition. His technical and organisational leadership will enable ANSTO to develop stronger partnerships with industry research establishments and nuclear medicine centres capitalising on Australia’s new research reactor, excellence in accelerator-based sciences and its radiopharmaceuticals manufacturing capability.” Dr Switkowski said today.
Dr Paterson is 52 and married with two sons who are presently studying at university. He will relocate with his wife to Sydney.
Dr Switkowski also thanked ANSTO’s acting Chief Executive Dr Ron Cameron who has filled the role since May 2008. “Dr Ron Cameron has professionally managed ANSTO’s activities through a period of organisational restructure combined with budget and operational challenges. ANSTO has been well served by Dr Cameron stepping into this role.”
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has welcomed Dr Paterson's appointment.
Senator Carr said Dr Paterson's strong public science and senior management background, combined with his experience in commercialisation of scientific research, will be of tremendous value to ANSTO.
“The ANSTO CEO position is among the most important in the national science administration framework. The CEO is responsible for the overall conduct of ANSTO's activities. Dr Paterson was selected from a very strong field of candidates," Senator Carr said.
“I am very grateful for Dr Cameron's leadership of ANSTO since the departure of ANSTO's former CEO, Dr Ian Smith, and I congratulate Dr Paterson on his appointment. This is an exciting time to become involved in the management of ANSTO, Australia’s only research organisation devoted solely to nuclear science and technology," Senator Carr said.
Published: 19/12/2008