Alan Finkel | |
---|---|
8th Chief Scientist of Australia | |
In office 25 January 2016 – 31 December 2020 | |
Preceded by | Ian Chubb |
Succeeded by | Cathy Foley |
Personal details | |
Born | Alan Simon Finkel 17 January 1953 |
Nationality | Australian |
Spouse | Elizabeth Finkel |
Education | Mount Scopus Memorial College |
Alma mater | Monash University |
Occupation | Electrical engineer |
Profession | Neuroscientist |
Alan Simon Finkel AC FAA FTSE[1][2] (born 17 January 1953) is an Australian neuroscientist, inventor, researcher, entrepreneur, educator, policy advisor, and philanthropist. He was Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020.[3] Prior to his appointment, his career included Chancellor of Monash University, President of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), and CEO and founder of Axon Instruments, and CTO for the electric car start-up Better Place Australia.[4]
Among his current roles, Finkel is Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technologies, Chair of Australia's Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council, and Chair of Stile Education. In March 2021, he published his quarterly essay, Getting to Zero,[5] which received widespread acclaim.