Chief Executive and Australian policy leader Ryan Winn will lead Science & Technology Australia as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ryan joins the nation’s peak body for scientists and technologists after a long and distinguished career within the Australian Public Service driving complex policy issues, including within both the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Education.
He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), a role he has held since 2019. He will start his new role with STA in May.
His deep policy expertise includes work on higher education, research infrastructure, early childhood education, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.
Winn was instrumental in the design and delivery of the 2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap and subsequent Research Infrastructure Investment Plan, which laid the groundwork for significantly enhanced investments in Australia’s research ecosystem to improve access to cutting-edge research and innovation.
“I’m excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to get started as CEO of Science & Technology Australia,” Winn said. “I’m looking forward to leveraging my leadership skills and networks within Australia’s research ecosystem, working with government and non-government organisations, and representing STA’s vast membership of more than 225,000 scientists, technologists, mathematicians and engineers.”
“Australia’s science and research system is at a significant juncture, with increasing demands on current and future skills, innovation and knowledge. STA is unique and critical to this cause as the voice of the sector.”
“We need practical experience from the lab bench to the boardroom to inform policymakers on the programs, policies and regulations we need now and into the future. We need government, business and the university sector to work together to better incentivise R&D and powerfully boost investment. And, there is a crucial role to play in inspiring Australia’s future scientists as Australia looks to further accelerate our innovation economy.”
“No other organisation than STA has the reach, membership and capacity to activate scientists all the way from early career researchers up to industry leaders to help Australia create the future it wants for itself.”
STA President Professor Sharath Sriram said the organisation had secured a CEO who will continue to build on STA’s powerful work.
“Ryan is an outstanding policy leader with deep experience – and the perfect person to lead STA and represent the nation’s scientists and technologists. His recruitment speaks volumes about the organisation’s influence and importance. He will be a powerful and influential advocate for the sector and warmly welcomed by the nations scientists, technologists, policymakers and public servants.”
