Internationally renowned scientist Dr Ian Poiner faces his biggest career challenge yet as he takes over the helm of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Australia’s premier marine research agency, and works towards shaping the research institute into a research enterprise.
"In order to get the greatest return on our scarce scientific research dollars, and at the same time grow in impact and capability, developing collaborations and commercial relationships is paramount", he said.
"Science is the key for us to meet the challenges facing Australia’s tropical marine and coastal systems. Team work is essential for us to deliver the large-scale science required."
"The key to staying at the forefront of tropical marine science is to grow business opportunities for AIMS and Australia," he said.
"The AIMS@JCU (AIMS and James Cook University)venture is a good example of a great opportunity for us to consolidate intelligence and resources to maximize capability and the impact and uptake of marine science. I look forward to helping build on AIMS’ enviable track record in providing scientific expertise and building a host of bigger and better partnerships and engagements," Dr Poiner said.
Dr Poiner said his experience, skills, and interests match the direction AIMS needs to travel in order to grow and survive the increasingly complex research and development environment.
Dr Poiner is the former Deputy Chief of CSIRO Marine Research, and an internationally renowned scientist in his field, with more than 20 years of experience in science to support sustainable marine ecosystems. Before his appointment as the Deputy Chief of CSIRO Marine Research he was a Senior Principal Research Scientist with the CSIRO.
Dr Poiner spent many years leading research into fisheries and ecological systems in tropical Australia including the northern Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and the Gulf of Carpentaria. He has also worked abroad in the United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia.
Dr Poiner serves on a number of national and international committees. He is currently a member on the International Scientific Steering Committee - Census of Marine Life. It is an international research program assessing and explaining the diversity, distribution and abundance of marine organisms throughout the world’s oceans.
Dr Poiner replaces Professor Stephen Hall, who led AIMS for three years until February this year when he left to become the Director General of the WorldFish Center in Malaysia.
More on AIMS@JCU: http://www.aims.gov.au/news/pages/media-release-20031210.html
