Australia’s Chief Scientist
Dr Finkel commenced as Australia’s eighth Chief Scientist in January 2016. Prior to his appointment, he served as President of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), and for eight years as Chancellor of Monash University.
As Chief Scientist, Dr Finkel is leading the development of the national hydrogen strategy at the request of the Council of Australian Governments. He also led the 2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, the 2017 Review into the National Electricity Market (“Finkel Review”) and the 2018 STEM Industry Partnership Forum report. He serves as the Deputy Chair of Innovation and Science Australia.
Dr Finkel has an extensive science background as an entrepreneur, engineer, neuroscientist and educator. He was awarded his PhD in electrical engineering from Monash University and worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in neuroscience at the Australian National University.
Dr Finkel will be presenting on hydrogen safety at scale on day one of the conference as part of the global political plenary.