Professor Doug Hilton appointed as CSIRO Chief Executive

CSIRO’s board of directors has announced the appointment of Professor Doug Hilton AO as Chief Executive of the national science agency, commencing 29 September 2023. He will replace outgoing Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall, who will complete his third and final term on 30 June after eight years in the role.

Hilton is Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), the Lorenzo and Pamela Galli Chair in Medical Biology and Head of the Department of Medical Biology in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at The University of Melbourne. For the past 14 years, under his direction, WEHI has grown to become a multidisciplinary organisation that makes fundamental discoveries and works with partners to translate these into improved outcomes in cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and diseases of aging.

As a molecular and cellular biologist investigating blood cell production and how cells communicate with each other, Hilton has continued an active research program throughout his period as Director of WEHI. He and his team hold more than 20 patents and have translated their research through collaboration with venture capitalists and the biopharmaceutical industry.

The Chair of the CSIRO board, Kathryn Fagg AO, said Hilton will be “a great asset to CSIRO” as the agency strives to solve some of our greatest challenges.

“Doug is a much-respected researcher, leader and communicator of the better outcomes science can deliver,” she said. “His 14 years leading WEHI have been exemplified by his passion for research, mentoring and supporting young researchers, building the infrastructure to support the creativity of researchers and a dedication to translating research to improve the lives of Australians.

“Beyond research, Doug has emphasised the importance of strong institutional cultures and furthered diversity in science. A member of the Champion of Change Coalition and a board member of Australians Investing in Women, he has led initiatives to boost gender equality and diversity, and address better representation of women in senior roles in the Australian medical research sector.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has also welcomed Hilton’s appointment, saying his decades of experience “will no doubt prove invaluable to helping address some of Australia’s greatest scientific challenges”.

“Professor Hilton’s research into blood cell production and communication has helped Australians live longer, healthier lives,” Husic said.

“Beyond this, he has shown a real commitment to boost gender equality and diversity in sciences, something I am also incredibly passionate about.”

Commenting on his appointment, Hilton said, “CSIRO is a unique national treasure, there to deliver science for the benefit of the community. The intent of CSIRO and my personal values are completely aligned, and I am looking forward to leading CSIRO as we work to solve our nation’s greatest challenges.

“I will join CSIRO after leading WEHI, where our staff and students strive to help people live healthier for longer. At CSIRO I know that same sentiment will be there and that’s incredibly important to me. I’m looking forward to meeting the researchers and those that support and enable them, and to hearing about the science.”

Hilton’s predecessor will depart CSIRO as its longest serving Chief Executive in half a century, having acted as leader since 2015. Kirsten Rose, CSIRO’s Executive Director Future Industries, has been appointed Acting Chief Executive from 1 July.

Image caption: Professor Doug Hilton has been appointed CSIRO’s Chief Executive. Image credit: WEHI.