SWN special: Meet Queensland's Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson
Bianca Millroy
On the back of National Science Week 2025, we’re bringing you a special episode this week featuring our exclusive interview with Queensland's Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, whose role it is to champion the importance of science for our society, our economy and environment, to promote Queensland’s leadership in scientific research partnerships, and to facilitate that translation of research to the general public.
SWN's Editor-in-Chief Dr Amanda Niehaus and co-host Bianca Millroy had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Professor Kerrie Wilson, who gave generous insight into what a day in the life of a Chief Scientist involves, what’s happening in Queensland science in the Year of Quantum, the role of science (including the social sciences) and the arts in combating mis- and dis-information, and so much more.
In this episode, we cover a diverse range of topics such as:
what the role of Chief Scientist entails, and how Professor Kerrie Wilson transitioned into this role from her background in the tertiary education sector and as a dedicated environmental scientist
what incited Kerrie to embark on a career in science, and her advice for anyone considering a career in STEM
why Queensland is uniquely positioned in Quantum science and key initiatives that Kerrie and her team are leading in this space
how the Office of the Chief Scientist actively supports STEM education and accessibility across the state, including the annual Women in STEM Prize and Engaging Science grants
how science communication and research translation, combining science and arts, is vital in terms of combating mis- and dis-information
the vision for Queensland science; key priorities, challenges and opportunities unique to our state looking ahead into the future, given its diverse environment, natural resources, demographic and First Nations peoples.
Throughout this episode, we highlight some of the current priorities, achievements and key initiatives of Professor Wilson and her team. Further links and resources are available in the Show Notes below.
SHOW NOTES
About the Chief Scientist of Queensland
Professor Kerrie Wilson is one of Australia’s leading researchers into the science, strategy and policy of environmental sustainability and as Queensland’s Chief Scientist is dedicated to ensuring Queensland remains at the forefront of science. She has held senior positions within Australian and international universities, including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability and Research Integrity) at QUT, and as the Executive Director of the QUT Institute for Future Environments. In the non-profit sector, Professor Wilson has held leadership positions including Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy Australia and the Australian Natural Sciences Commissioner for UNESCO, driving collaboration with national and international stakeholders. She has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year, the Australian Academy of Science Medal for Women in Science, two ARC Research Fellowships and an Australian Museum Eureka Prize. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (First Class Honours) from The University of Queensland and a PhD from The University of Melbourne.
As the Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Wilson provides independent high-level strategic advice to the state government on the role of science, research and innovation to meet Queensland’s challenges, and her role sits within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Put simply, it’s a massive responsibility, to not only promote the science that Queenslanders are doing, but to increase engagement and participation of the community in science-based activities across the state, and to lead science strategy in multiple levels of government.
Professor Wilson chairs the Queensland Decarbonisation Hub Advisory Committee, Quantum Innovation Queensland, the Queensland Research Leaders Forum and Queensland Science Advisory Committee. She is also an Affiliated Professor in Conservation Science at The University of Copenhagen and a member of the Australian Heritage Council. Outside of her professional commitments, Professor Wilson is an avid outdoor enthusiast, regularly exploring Queensland’s national parks with her family.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Professor Kerrie Wilson – Office of the Chief Scientist, DETSI
Connect & engage with DETSI
Queensland: Quantum State initiatives
Selected articles and media:
Empowering the Collective: The Fight Against Mis/Disinformation
International Women's Day 2025: 5 women breaking barriers worldwide
Other resources:
This episode was recorded and produced in Meanjin, Brisbane: a place steeped in history, culture, community, and storytelling. We acknowledge the Jaegara and Turrbal People as the traditional custodians of these lands, the first scientists and storytellers. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. Always was, always will be.
Special thanks to Professor Kerrie Wilson and the Office of the Chief Scientist team, especially Kylie Kraus, Barbara Whittaker and Melina Gillespie, for facilitating this special interview opportunity.
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