AMSI Appoints New Board Members

The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of five new members, including a wide diversity of backgrounds and skills.

Bringing a rich mix of expertise and broad mathematical experience, the new appointees include Director of PhillipsKPA, Anne Baly, former Bureau of Meteorology Chief Scientist and Corporate Executive, Science and Innovation, Dr Sue Barrell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Western Australia, Professor Robyn Owens, Biarri Co-Founder Joe Forbes and Director of the Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Professor Andrew Peele.

Bringing a fantastic mix of new talent, skill and experience, AMSI Board Chair, Dr Adelle Howse, said she was looking forward to working with Anne, Sue, Robyn, Joe and Andrew.

“I believe the addition of these five outstanding field leaders will transform the AMSI Board and deepen its capacity to support the Institute and its mission,” said Dr Howse.

AMSI Director, Professor Tim Brown said the expansion of the Board brought a new depth of knowledge, expertise and experience.

As a key promoter of the importance of encouraging female participation in mathematical sciences at all levels, the appointments are also in line with the recently published goals of the Australian Academy of Science Decadal Plan for Women in STEM.

Meet AMSI’s New Board Members:

Anne Baly

Currently  Director at leading Higher Education Consultancy, PhillipsKPA, Anne has extensive public and education sector experience and has played key roles in leading, developing and implementing policy reforms and change management relating to education, science, research and workplace relations.

Sue Barrell

Formerly the Chief Scientist, and Group Executive, Science and Innovation, at the Bureau of Meteorology, Sue maintains an honorary affiliation with the Bureau. She remains committed to science leadership, mentoring and advocacy, and continues to be actively involved in international efforts, primarily through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its Executive Council and through the WMO Commission on Basic Systems.

Robyn Owens

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Western Australia, Robyn has a strong understanding of AMSI and its mission, including as a member of the Project Steering Committee for APR.Intern. She has extensive knowledge of research training and an impressive track record in securing funding grants. Her other roles have included positions on national committees and boards and PVC (Research and Research Training) at UWA.

Joe Forbes

Co-Founder of Biarri, Australia’s leading small company in Commercial Mathematics, Business Analytics and Optimisation Web Tools, Joe is a member of AMSI’s Industry Advisory Committee.

Joe brings extensive industry experience and believes that commercial mathematics is only truly powerful when it is simple to use and produces real world results.

Andrew Peele

Director of ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron since 2013, Andrew is an adjunct Professor of Physics at La Trobe University. Andrew is also a qualified lawyer who has practiced as a solicitor. Andrew is the immediate past President of the Australian Institute of Physics, which has similar objectives to AMSI in supporting and promoting STEM and the applications of science.

For Interview:
Dr Adelle Howse, AMSI Board Chair
Professor Tim Brown, AMSI Director

Media Contact: Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 04215 18733