Dr Charles Day appointed as CEO of Innovation and Science Australia

University of Melbourne innovation expert Dr Charles Day has been appointed CEO of Innovation and Science Australia [ISA], the government’s primary innovation body. Day will be in charge of guiding the government’s $10.1 billion investment into innovation, science and research.

The ISA is tasked with providing strategic, whole-of-government advice on all science, research and innovation matters, and is part of the government’s larger National Innovation and Science Agenda [NISA], that, while mostly out of the spotlight, is still in motion.

Following an extensive international search for a world leading business, innovation and science strategist and practitioner, Greg Hunt, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science said he is delighted to announce Day as CEO of ISA.

“I congratulate Dr Day on his appointment to this high profile position. I’m confident he will make a significant contribution to transforming Australia into a leading innovation nation, positioning us to seize the next wave of economic prosperity,” said Hunt.

Day has extensive experience within the fields of science, research and innovation. From being a program director for the University of Melbourne’s Carlton Connect Initiative to being a member of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute board. Day is also a cofounder of the internationally recognised Melbourne Accelerator Program [MAP], which supports a range of startups at the University.

What Day brings to ISA is an expert level of experience in innovation, business development, technology commercialisation, venture capital and startup creation. This level of experience ties in nicely with the NISA initiative and the gaps in industry the government is trying to fill.

Day will join chair of ISA board, Bill Ferris and deputy chair, Dr Alan Finkel, Australia’s chief scientist.

Also recently appointed to the board are professor Bronwyn Harch, executive director of the Institute for Future Environments and professor of Applied Statistics at the Queensland University of Technology; Dr Rufus Black, master of Ormond College, president of Museum Victoria, and deputy chancellor of Victoria University; and Dr Bronte Adams AM, managing director of technology-focused management consultancy firm Dandolo Partners International.

The appointment of new members for ISA is part of the government’s move to add depth and expertise to an initiative that has lost its momentum since the election.

Earlier this week the Federal Government unveiled the latest off-shoot of NISA, the Regional Collaborations Programme. With $3.2 million to be invested across four years, the programme will look to help fund activities that facilitate greater collaboration in science, research and innovation across regional communities.

“Engagement between Australian industry and researchers and leaders in the Asia Pacific region will help improve the skill set of local workers and the capabilities of Australian businesses, presenting new opportunities for investment and growth,” Hunt previously said.

Image: Charles Day. Source: The Carlton Connect Initiative.