Visionary leader and ocean governance expert Jas Chambers is Science & Technology Australia's new President-elect.
Jas Chambers has a remarkable record working at the intersection of science and technology, governance, policy, international diplomacy, and in complex stakeholder environments. She is the Chair and Co-Founder of Ocean Decade Australia and has worked in numerous senior STEM leadership roles, including chairing the New South Wales Executive Committee for National Science Week and Inspiring Australia since 2012. She currently serves as Vice-President of Science & Technology Australia (STA).
Ms Chambers will succeed current STA President Professor Sharath Sriram at the STA Annual General Meeting in November 2025 after serving as President-elect for the next 12 months.
"As President-elect of Science & Technology Australia, I am honoured to be part of the team that represents our nation's 235,000+ scientists and technologists," she said.
"Australia, like many nations, is shaped by its scientific and technological achievements. Australian science is synonymous with rigour and precision. Our robust methodologies and stringent testing protocols forge deep trust in our findings, empowering government, industry and the public to make evidence-based decisions that shape our nation's future."
"Science serves a greater purpose - it is not isolated from the world, but integral to solving its challenges. As we approach 2030, science and technology will be crucial in guiding decisions on critical issues such as emissions targets, balancing development with ecosystem resilience, and addressing the ethical implications of emerging technologies including AI."
"I look forward to collaborating with our CEO, board, and members to represent our diverse community. Together, we strive to ensure that Australian science and technology continues to drive innovation, inform policy, and contribute to our nation's prosperity and well-being."
STA President Professor Sharath Sriram congratulated Ms Chambers and the newly-elected board directors.
"Jas is a leading advocate for science, recognised in Australia and internationally for her leadership in marine science and oceanography," he said.
"She is an experienced leader with a portfolio career that has covered public service, higher education, governance, and mission-driven non-profit activities."
"Jas has been a strong contributor to Science & Technology Australia as a Board Member. She served as the Governance Chair during the modernisation of STA's operations and structure. Her election as President-Elect creates the opportunity for her to deliver on the reforms, grow the support for and amplification of the needs and priorities of our members."
Other impressive science and technology leaders elected to STA's executive at today's Annual General Meeting include:
- Dr Kathy Nicholson, Institute Manager of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) at the University of Adelaide and Chair of STA's Policy committee, has been re-appointed to the STA Board;
- Professor Renae Ryan AM FRSN, Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at the University of Sydney, has been newly elected to the STA Board.
