The ANSTO Board is please to announce that Dr Ian Smith has been appointed as ANSTO's new Executive Director. Dr Smith will begin his appointment in early May.
Australian-born, Dr Smith has been the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise & International) at the University of Otago, New Zealand, since 1995. Amongst other roles, Dr Smith has previously held senior management positions with the Comalco Research Centre and CRA Advanced Technical Development.
Dr Smith's 36 years in metallurgical engineering includes a long list of academic and research achievements, contributing to the international reputation he has established for himself.
He has published over 140 papers, taught at undergraduate and postgraduate level for over 15 years and been the recipient of numerous awards and honours. His early research was conducted at the former Atomic Energy Commission, now ANSTO.
Dr Smith’s background in the management of research and its commercialisation makes him strongly suited to ANSTO, as the organisation seeks to make its science and technology increasingly commercially relevant.
Dr Smith also aims to maintain and improve the quality of ANSTO’s internationally recognised research. The appointment of Dr Smith follows a rigorous international search for the right person to lead the organisation.