The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today appointed two eminent academics to the Australian Research Council (ARC) Advisory Council.

“I am pleased to appoint Professor Emeritus David Siddle and Professor Robyn Owens to the ARC Advisory Council," Senator Carr said.

“Professor Siddle, Affiliate Researcher with the University of Queensland, will strongly contribute to the council’s expertise in the area of social sciences.

“University of Western Australia Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owens, brings a wealth of experience in the areas of mathematics and information and communications technology.

“With their diverse and distinguished research backgrounds, Professors Siddle and Owens will help ensure the council forms balanced and well-informed opinions.

“The council has been in operation for two years now. Over this period, I have been pleased to see improvements in the strategic direction of the ARC.

“The independent advice provided by the council has helped drive these positive changes and support innovation in Australian business and research communities.”

The appointment of Professors Siddle and Owens to the ARC Advisory Council follows the retirement of Professors Margaret Seares AO and Arun Sharma.

“I thank Professors Seares and Sharma for their invaluable contribution as founding council members and wish them well in their future endeavours,” Senator Carr said.

Biographies for Professors Siddle and Owens are attached. Both appointments are for two years and commenced on 1 January 2010.

For more information on the ARC Advisory Council and the new members, visit www.arc.gov.au

Media contacts: Fiona Scott, Minister's Office, 0447 086 727
                         Sheena Ireland, ARC, 0412 623 056