Spotlight: Professor Kerrie Wilson

We recently caught up with the Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson.

You have been in the role of Queensland Chief Scientist for a year now. What is the best part of your job?

I love the diverse nature of the role. There is no average day. I could be meeting with international scientific delegations and Ministers at the start of a day and university and school students towards the end.

It is a privilege to regularly meet talented Queensland scientists such as the recent winners of the Queensland Women in STEM Prize – three very worthy recipients!

Building collaborations across the science sector is something I’m deeply committed to, and facilitating connections and partnerships is always rewarding. Another vital part of my role is helping the government anticipate future science needs and providing independent advice so the government can make evidence-based informed decisions about science matters. I am passionate about using science to inform government policy.

Why is it important to build critical thinking skills in the community?

We live in a world bombarded by information. Misinformation is rife. So, it’s important people can scrutinise what they see and detect misinformation. I want to encourage the community to think like a scientist, question information they see, assess reliability and verify before sharing.

What did you do for National Science Week this year?

This was such a special and extremely busy week for me. I loved meeting diverse audiences to talk about STEM-related topics including participating in a quantum and advanced technologies event and joining female scientists at a Soapbox Science community event at the Queensland Museum.  

As well, I enjoyed celebrating our scientists and the positive impacts they have at the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards and engaging with students and research leaders throughout the week. It was a fabulous opportunity to promote Queensland science and STEM careers too!

What are your plans for 2025 as the Queensland Chief Scientist?

I have an enormous ‘to do’ list for next year but will continue to focus on a few key areas:

• Raising the profile of Queensland as a world-class research destination ready for investment
• Providing independent scientific advice to inform government policy
• Connecting science capability across Queensland
• Influencing national science policy and investment
• Engaging the community, demonstrating the impact of science on Queenslander’s livelihoods and lifestyles.

With the United Nations proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and the National Science Week school theme focusing on the fundamental language of nature, including maths and quantum science, I am looking forward to promoting Queensland’s quantum capabilities!

Thank you, Professor Wilson! Your work is diverse and inspiring and we look forward to catching up with you for an update in the future!