Following the retirement of Professor Michael Poole as Chair of the WABSI Board at the end of 2019, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Ian Cresswell as our new Chair.
Dr Cresswell first joined WABSI as a Director in 2016, and now, as Board Chair, will continue to guide, shape and support the work of WABSI focusing on cross sector collaboration to address the biodiversity science knowledge gaps of end users.
As the former CSIRO Research Director of the Biodiversity, Ecosystem Knowledge and Services program, Dr Cresswell led the development of biodiversity and landscape management science to help Australians manage and protect our biological resources, while also allowing broader economic, social and environmental benefit. Dr Cresswell has extensive experience working in environment and sustainable development both nationally and internationally, and has previously been involved in the management of major multi-institutional collaborations such as the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and the Atlas of Living Australia.
WABSI is also pleased to welcome two new Directors to its Board: Dr Debra Cousins, Director Science and Innovation, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and Dr Nygarie Goyal, Executive Director, Science and Planning, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
“I am delighted to be appointed and look forward to continuing the work of WABSI with my fellow Board Directors, the WABSI Executive Team and all our stakeholders. On behalf of the Board, I extend our thanks to Professor Michael Poole for his leadership and major contributions to WABSI over the past four years as Chair,” said Dr Cresswell.
“WABSI plays a critical role in developing targeted, timely research initiatives. Its unique position and ability brings regulators, industry and the science community together to address the priorities of end users. I look forward to maintaining our momentum and ensuring that our programs leave a lasting legacy for Western Australia through collaboration, knowledge sharing and world-leading biodiversity science research.
Despite current economic and social challenges due to COVID-19, our work continues. Our Executive Team continues to engage (safely) with our stakeholders, driving collaboration and progressing research projects that are already underway, as well as seeking to secure new programs, as outlined in the WABSI Research Priorities Plan.
I welcome the opportunity of working with all our stakeholders, and thank you all, for contributing your time and expertise to support the success WABSI.”
Dr Ian Cresswell, Chair
Media contact: Preeti Castle, Strategic Engagement Director, preeti.castle@wabsi.org.au