Appointment of new AIMS Council Member

A distinguished public servant from Canberra has been appointed to the Australian Institute of Marine Science's (AIMS) Council.



The appointment of Patricia Kelly PSM, was endorsed by the Minister for Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP. She joins the Council for a term of five years.

AIMS Council Chair, Dr Beth Woods OAM, welcomed Ms Kelly to the position.



"Patricia has had a successful career in the public service spanning more than forty years with significant roles leading innovation and technological and cultural transformation. She brings strong governance experience to her AIMS Council position.



"Her knowledge and perspectives will be a valuable addition to the Council, enhancing its capacity to guide AIMS through a period of considerable growth and strategic change," Dr Woods said.



From 2004-2013 Ms Kelly was a Deputy Secretary in Commonwealth departments responsible for industry and innovation. During this time, she worked closely with the higher education and research sectors directing the development and funding of research infrastructure and policies. She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2013 for leading Australia's successful bid to host the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope.



She served for five years as Director General of IP Australia, (the agency that administers intellectual property rights in relation to patents, trademarks and designs in Australia) and retired from the public sector in 2018.



Ms Kelly has also served on a range of boards and committees, playing leading roles in driving innovation in research, including as a member of the Co-operative Research Centres Committee (2004-2013) and is currently Deputy Chancellor at the University of Canberra, Chair of the Interim Board for the Square Kilometre Array Regional Centre, and Chair of the Australian Research Integrity Committee.



"Our Council plays a pivotal role in supporting and enabling AIMS to provide the science that helps governments, industry and society make informed decisions to help preserve and sustain Australia's rich and diverse tropical marine estate," Dr Woods said.