Alan Finkel takes over as Australia’s Chief Scientist and is ready to drive innovation and commercialisation

One of “Australia’s great entrepreneurs” Dr Alan Finkel has taken over as the country’s Chief Scientist with the mission of driving innovation and commercialisation.

Replacing Professor Ian Chubb, who was in the role for five years, Finkel’s three-year term started on Monday.

Finkel will be “heavily involved” with the implementation of the government’s innovation and science agenda, minister for industry, innovation and science Christopher Pyne says.

“Science, innovation and commercialisation are at the heart of the government’s agenda and I am delighted we have a person of the calibre of Dr Finkel to lead the national conversation on the importance of science, innovation and turning great Australian ideas into great Australian products,” Pyne says in a statement.

“Dr Finkel has been a passionate advocate for Australian science and innovation for more than three decades. He is also one of Australia’s great entrepreneurs.

“The government is committed to fostering a culture in which science and business work hand in glove to create jobs and growth for all Australians.”

Finkel, who has been Chancellor of Monash University for the last eight years, is Australia’s eighth Chief Scientist.

He founded US-based global science and technology company Axon Instruments and also scientific and environmental publications.