The Department's Chief Scientists

"Nothing, nothing in the world, not even the arts and not even sport is as international as science."
(Sir Gustav Nossal, Chief Scientist)

Sir Gustav Nossal, Dr John Stocker, Professor David Penington and Dr Graham Mitchell are the Department's Chief Scientists. They have a wide range of experience in scientific research, education, innovation, management, and leadership. With this experience has come the recognition of the importance of networks between the Department and other organisations across the world. The Chief Scientists advise the Department on strategic science issues. As part of the Food Science Australia (FSA) joint venture between the Victorian Government and CSIRO, Dr Anthos Yannakou (CEO FSA) has been appointed as Chief Scientist for Food Manufacturing.

Professor Frank Larkins commenced in the newly created position of Chief Scientist for Energy on the 1st July 2007 following the recent incorporation of Victoria’s Energy activities with its Resources activities in DPI.

Sir Gustav Nossal
Dr John Stocker
Dr Graham Mitchell
Professor David Penington
Dr Anthos Yannakou
Professor Frank Larkins

Sir Gustav Nossal "The Department has many world leaders in science. It is critical that these leaders continue to mentor other staff and extend their networks across discipline groups. The Chief Scientists have been overwhelmingly impressed with the quality of science in the Department." (Gus Nossal, Chief Scientist) Australian of the Year 2000 Sir Gustav Nossal is a leading figure in the field of immunology. He has been Director of The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute and the Professor of Medical Biology at Melbourne University. Sir Gustav plays a strategic role in the World Health Organisation’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the Gates Foundation Vaccination Initiative. He is also Co-chair of the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council. Within the Department, Sir Gustav Nossal provides guidance in fostering of leadership and mentoring between scientists. Page Top
Dr John Stocker "There are great benefits in maintaining and expanding the communication role of scientists. Many of Departments' scientists are among the best in the world in their fields. Their work is one of Victoria's best-kept secrets." (John Stocker, Chief Scientist) Dr John Stocker brings an extraordinarily broad range of experience to the Department. He was the former Commonwealth Chief Scientist and Chief Executive of CSIRO. He serves on the boards of several companies, and advises the Department on strategy developments. Dr John Stocker is also the Chairman of the Grape and Wine Research & Development Corporation and owns a vineyard in central Victoria.
Dr Graham Mitchell "The issues of sustainability and biodiversity are critical for the State of Victoria. Scientists in the Department provide the research and evidence based decisions that underpin resource management and land use strategies for the benefit of the State." (Dr Graham Mitchell, Chief Scientist) Dr Graham Mitchell is recognised as one of Australia's leading biological scientists. He is the former Director of Melbourne Zoo, and Research Director for CSL Limited. He also led research into the parasite vaccines at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Dr Graham Mitchell is a keen birdwatcher and has a focus on biodiversity research and commercialisation of the products of research.
Professor David Penington "Science is critical to the future of agriculture in Victoria. Innovative and creative solutions generated by the Department's scientists enable the State to benefit from development." (David Penington, Chief Scientist) Professor David Penington is the former Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Melbourne University. He brings to the Department a vast experience of managing complex research environments. His focus is on reward and recognition systems, and the effect of structural issues on the quality of science. Professor Penington is also a keen fly fisherman. Page Top
Chief Scientist for Food Manufacturing - Dr Anthos Yannakou "The CSIRO and Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) joint venture, 'Food Science Australia is leading the way in collaborative, multidisciplinary research for the food sector, which is vitally important to the economy of Victoria and Australia." Dr Anthos Yannakou is Chief Executive of Food Science Australia, a joint venture of CSIRO and the Victorian Government. Dr Yannakou brings over 30 years of food industry experience in technical, business development and managerial positions to Food Science Australia. He has worked for a number of large food industry organisations including Unilever, Nutritional Foods, Fedfood and the Tiger Group. From 1993 - 2005, Dr Yannakou worked for CSIR South Africa, first as Director of their Food Technology division and later as Director of the Environmental Technologies division. In 1998, Dr Yannakou was appointed CSIR Executive Vice President Marketing and Technology Management and later, Executive Vice President: Operations. Dr Yannakou is President Elect of the South African Association of Food Science and Technology and was recently appointed as Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Engineering Management at the University of Pretoria.
Chief Scientist for Energy – Professor Frank Larkins “The whole world is looking for ways to provide for our energy needs in a sustainable and responsible manner. There is a lot of scientific and policy talent in Victoria working in the energy field and I am looking forward to working with them to ensure Victoria has a clear, strategic approach to addressing these energy issues. (Professor Frank Larkins, Chief Scientist for Energy)” Professor Larkins is well known for his extensive research and advisory roles in energy and related fields over a career that spans more than 30 years. He has held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Melbourne since 2006, and previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) from 1990 until 2006. Professor Larkins currently chairs the National and International Synchrotron Advisory Committees. He is also Professor of Chemistry at Melbourne and a fellow of several professional bodies. In particular, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Australian Institute of Energy, the Australian Institute of Physics and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. His recreational interests are running, gardening and fishing.