Professor Sackett took up her position as Chief Scientist for Australia in November 2008. She provides high level advice to government, fosters relationships with science organisations and industry groups and stimulates community thinking on contemporary scientific issues.
Professor Sackett was Director of the Australian National University Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (2002-2007). She is an Elected International Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and is involved in governance of the Gemini Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute. She has extensive experience in managing large and complex science projects involving broad international partnerships. Her previous appointments include the J. Seward Johnson Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton (US), Program Director at the US National Science Foundation and Chaired Professor at the University of Groningen (the Netherlands).
As part of her first overseas trip as Chief Scientist, Professor Sackett will visit London, Brussels and Paris where she will attend the UNESCO launch of the International Year of Astronomy. Professor Sackett’s biography can be found at: http://www.chiefscientist.gov.au