CSIRO chief Megan Clark takes one for team

WHEN CSIRO chief Megan Clark accepts one of the nation’s top honours today, she will be taking one for the team.

CSIRO chief Megan Clark has been named a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to scientific research. Picture: Gary Ramage

MEGAN Clark is a rare individual in the masculine world of mining; a female geologist who became a vice-president at BHP Billiton before taking the helm at Australia’s national research agency. But when she accepts one of the ­nation’s top honours today, Dr Clark will be taking one for the team.

“An award like this recognises the scientists and technologists in industry and universities who dedicate themselves to a better ­future,” says the CSIRO’s chief executive.

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Dr Clark has been named a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to scientific research. Her citation says she is being recognised for fostering innovation, for bolstering science administration through strategic leadership roles, and for developing public policy for technological sciences.

Dr Clark says science is only truly appreciated when it changes people’s lives. “We don’t get a tick in the box until the things we’re working on are put to use. That’s been a very important part of what’s been driving me for most of my life.”

But she says CSIRO scientists don’t get the kudos for breakthroughs that led to technology in everyday use worldwide, including polymer bank notes and Wi-Fi. “Our people deserve more pride and support from the nation.”