Bill Ferris AC, Chair of Innovation and Science Australia (ISA), has welcomed Dr Charlie Day on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Innovation and Science Australia (OISA).
“On behalf of the Board, I welcome Dr Charlie Day as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Innovation and Science Australia.” Mr Ferris said.
“Dr Day joins at a pivotal time for ISA. The performance review of the Australian Innovation, Science and Research system is due to go to government by the end of 2016. After this we turn our attention to developing a strategic plan for Australian innovation out to 2030.”
Mr Ferris said he believed Dr Day was ideally placed to facilitate the Board’s provision of strategic whole-of-government advice on innovation, science and research matters.
“Dr Day joins OISA with an excellent record at the intersections of innovation, science, research and commercialisation.” Mr Ferris said.
“One of the great challenges in ensuring that Australia reaches its innovation potential is maximising the economic benefit we see from our world class research sectors.”
“Having served as Program Director for the University of Melbourne’s Carlton Connect initiative and as a member of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Translation and Commercialisation Committee, Dr Day is expertly placed to work with the Board on improving research translation and encouraging commercialisation.” He said.
Mr Ferris also highlighted Dr Day’s experience with encouraging and facilitating the development of Australian startup businesses.
“Connections between knowledge creation and commercial application are vital to a high-functioning innovation system, and so too is a culture of ‘having a go’. Dr Day has an outstanding record in fostering the burgeoning startup scene in Melbourne and is a co-founder of the Melbourne Accelerator Program” Mr Ferris said.
Mr Ferris also thanked OISA’s interim CEO, Ms Ann Bray, for her work in establishing OISA and assisting with the board’s agenda over the past 11 months. Mr Ferris is pleased that Ms Bray will continue to support ISA’s work in her new role as General Manager of OISA.
“The Board and I look forward to working closely with Dr Day. The wealth of skills and experience Charlie brings to the role will be invaluable to the Board in providing our advice to government on maximising the returns from Australia’s innovation, science and research system” Mr Ferris said.
