NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced pre-eminent marine biologist, Dr Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, has taken the reigns this month as the Department's new Chief Scientist.
With a distinguished career in fisheries research and aquaculture under her belt, Dr Moltschaniwskyj's new portfolio incorporates the core primary industries areas of biosecurity, fisheries and agriculture.
NSW DPI Director General Scott Hansen congratulated Dr Moltschaniwskyj on her achievements and welcomed her to the role.
"Following a competitive global recruitment process, Natalie is an excellent choice for the role, and it's a pleasure to see her transition from her role as DPI Director Fisheries Research to the position of Chief Scientist," he said.
"Natalie's career spans almost three-decades and includes a five-year academic tenure at James Cook University, 12 years at The University of Tasmania, and five years at The University of Newcastle, before joining DPI Fisheries.
"Her research has focused on fisheries and aquaculture of marine species such as squid, mussels, oysters, and abalone. The Department is incredibly lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge in this key position," said Mr Hansen.
Dr Moltschaniwskyi said she was looking forward to leading the team responsible for ensuring that NSW DPI delivers strategic, defensible and useful science to stakeholders and the community, now and into the future.
"The Chief Scientist role has an important function in ensuring that the research undertaken by DPI scientists is aligned with any knowledge gaps experienced by end-users. Maximising science for our NSW stakeholders, community and economy is our absolute priority," said Dr Moltschaniwskyi.
"The role also helps facilitate and enable collaborations, as well as playing an advocacy role to ensure the world-class science which is undertaken at DPI is duly recognised across NSW and on the national stage."
Dr Moltschaniwskyj noted the importance of mentors in her career and acknowledged her role as mentor to those in the science field, particularly young female scientists.
"I want these young scientists to know that it is possible to be female and have a leadership role in science. I'm certainly going to continue to enable and instil courage in them to be able to develop their careers," she said.
Dr Moltschaniwskyj is a highly regarded member of the scientific community, with over 100 publications to her name and having attracted over $3million of competitive research funding.
