Science advisory board appoints chair

Industry Innovation and Science Australia has appointed Peter Rossdeutscher as its new chair.

Rossdeutscher joins the independent body – established in 2015 to advise the Australian government on innovation, science and research matters – with extensive board experience and expertise across a range of sectors including quantum, mining, robotics and education.

Rossdeutscher is the current chair of Quantum Australia and also co-chair at First Nations X – a not-for profit organisation empowering Indigenous innovation and startups. 

Rossdeutscher previously led Quantum Girls at the University of Western Australia – a national project designed to inspire students to consider careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“Peter’s background makes him a standout for the role of IISA chair,” Minister for Industry and Science Ed Huic said. “His track record leading startups and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs to scale-up their firms is something the IISA has identified as a key priority.”

Appointed for a three-year term, Rossdeutscher succeeds Andrew Stevens who recently finished his second and final term as IISA chair. “I also want to sincerely thank Andrew Stevens for six years of leadership and service,” Husic said. “He leaves IISA in a strong place and I wish him all the best in the future.”