Professor Robert Clark will be appointed as Chief Defence Scientist and head the DSTO, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon has announced.
“Professor Clark brings significant national and international expertise and a strong background in scientific research and is an eminent scientist in the field of quantum computing,” Mr Snowdon said.
He currently holds several professorial and director appointments, including Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology within the University of New South Wales; a role which encompasses scientific leadership in cutting-edge quantum computing research along with governance of the Centre’s operations.
“He has a genuine connection with Defence, having joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Cadet Midshipman in 1969,” said Mr Snowdon.
“Following graduation from the RAN College and with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New South Wales, Professor Clark served in eight RAN ships gaining a range of professional qualifications before leaving the Navy in 1979.”
Professor Clark was appointed from a competitive field of public and private sector candidates, and will assume the role of Chief Defence Scientist in October 2008.
“His appointment follows the accomplished stewardship of Dr Roger Lough who led DSTO over four years of modernisation and reform. Amongst other achievements, Dr Lough championed the use of simulation in Defence to undertake experiments and test operational concepts at a fraction of existing costs,” Mr Snowdon said.