Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today announced the appointment of Professor Brian Boyle to the role of CSIRO Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Director.
"This new position, created within CSIRO, is designed to strengthen Australia's involvement in the revolutionary SKA project," Senator Carr said.
"The SKA project is a truly international undertaking involving members of the scientific community from all around the world. It has the potential to completely transform our understanding of the universe.
"Besides the many scientific benefits, hosting the SKA will bring valuable business opportunities and investment in cutting-edge infrastructure to participants.
"Hosting the SKA would provide a significant boost for the local economy and create a number of highly skilled jobs.
"It is for these reasons the Australian Government is determined to support the SKA project."
The SKA bid will build upon the $111 million Australian SKA Pathfinder project that the Government is funding through CSIRO under Professor Boyle's leadership.
Dr Megan Clark, CSIRO Chief Executive, said that the new position reflects the strategic importance of the SKA project to Australia.
"Professor Boyle is currently the Director of the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) and has played a central role in the SKA project and Australia's bid," Dr Clark said.
"The new position of CSIRO SKA Director will enable Professor Boyle to take on a strategic role internationally in relation to Australia's SKA engagement. Professor Boyle will assume his new CSIRO role from 9 February 2009."
For more information on Australia's SKA bid, involving the Australian and WA Governments along with the CSIRO, visit www.ska.gov.au.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
Jessie Borthwick, Department, 02 6276 1015
Tony Crawshaw, CSIRO, 0402 770 403