The Chairman of ANSTO, Dr Ian Blackburne, today congratulated ANSTO’s Chief Executive, Professor Helen Garnett, on her appointment to a challenging new position as the foundation Vice-Chancellor of the Charles Darwin University.
Dr Blackburne said this university appointment would regrettably require Professor Garnett to resign her position at ANSTO.
"Although we are extremely sad to lose Professor Garnett’s skills and energy, this is a tremendous opportunity for her to build a substantial education and research institution for the Northern Territory," Dr Blackburne said.
"Professor Garnett has made an enormous contribution to ANSTO as Chief Executive for the past nine years and I have no doubt she will do the same as the leader of this newly established tertiary institution."
Dr Blackburne said Professor Garnett had worked tirelessly to focus ANSTO to embrace the future and deliver real social and economic value to Australia.
"It is a credit to Professor Garnett that she will leave ANSTO in such good shape, with an internationally-regarded research capability, substantial facilities, global collaboration activities and a strong commercial focus," he said.
Dr Blackburne paid tribute to Professor Garnett’s stewardship of the lengthy process to gain approval and funding for the $300 million replacement research reactor, which is currently under construction at Lucas Heights.
"Australia’s replacement research reactor is the greatest single science investment in Australia’s history and Professor Garnett led the exhaustive public process to make it happen, including countless committees, submissions, consultations and inquiries."
Dr Blackburne said the construction of the replacement reactor was now well under way and the project was on target to be completed in 2005.
Professor Garnett will remain in her position at ANSTO until October 2003. As required by the Act, the Board will begin the process to select a new Chief Executive immediately.
"We intend to undertake an international search to ensure we find another world class leader for ANSTO," Dr Blackburne said.