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One of Australia’s leading scientists and former head of the CSIRO, Dr Megan Clark has been appointed to chair the board of the Energy and Minerals Institute (EMI) at The University of Western Australia.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the appointment of Dr Clark as Chair of the EMI Board of Trustees was a huge boost to the Institute’s capability and status as Australia’s leading collaborative research facilitator focused on the minerals and energy sectors.

“Dr Clark’s distinguished experience as a scientist and industry leader will be invaluable to the continuing success of the Energy and Minerals Institute and its role in creating strong and valuable partnerships between industry and the University,” Professor Johnson said.

Dr Clark said she was honoured to be invited to chair the EMI board.

“Creating successful collaborations between industry and the research sector that deliver real impact is one of my passions,” Dr Clark said.  “The University of Western Australia is a leader in innovation and I look forward to being a part of and contributing to EMI’s success.”

Dr Clark has had an extensive career in the private and public sectors in Australia, combining expertise in the metals and mining business with high-level experience in science, research and technology.  She is also a non-executive member of the Rio Tinto board.

Chief Executive of the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) between 2009 and 2014, Dr Clark previously held the position of Vice President Technology with BHP Billiton, followed by Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment, Community and Sustainability.

In 2014 Dr Clark was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for “eminent service to scientific research and development through fostering innovation, to science administration through strategic leadership roles, and to the development of public policy for technological sciences”.

She joins other high-profile EMI board members including former federal resources minister Martin Ferguson, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Andrew Harding, Shell General Manager of Development (Australia/New Zealand) Terry Freckelton and Chevron Australia Managing Director Roy Krzywosinski.

Established in 2008, EMI is dedicated to helping solve the challenges faced by participants in the high risk-high reward energy and mining sectors.  EMI has developed significant long-term partnerships with industry, governments and collaborative research groups worth more than $100 million.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716