Sharath Sriram, Professor with RMIT, has been appointed Western Australia’s new Chief Scientist, bringing a dynamic mix of cutting-edge research, commercialisation expertise and national science policy leadership to the state’s top science advisory role.
Premier Roger Cook announced the appointment, thanking outgoing Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken AC for more than a decade of transformative service. Sriram, a trailblazing researcher in nanoelectronics and medical technologies, begins a three-year term that will see him advising government on science, technology and innovation strategies vital to WA’s economic and social future.
“I welcome Professor Sharath Sriram to the role and know that with his wealth of experience, WA is in a safe pair of hands when it comes to further unlocking our science and technology potential,”
said Premier Cook.
A distinguished science and research leader, Sriram has spent nearly two decades developing breakthrough technologies in nanoelectronics, sensors, and medical devices—areas he describes as “turning science fiction into reality.”
He is currently the Director of the Discovery to Device facility at RMIT, a $15 million hub enabling medical device prototyping and small-volume manufacturing. He previously led the development of RMIT’s $60 million Micro Nano Research Facility, one of Australia’s largest multi-user, interdisciplinary research platforms.
As co-leader of the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT, Professor Sriram focuses on translating discoveries at extremely small size scales into practical technologies that benefit healthcare, electronics and communication systems. His research portfolio includes smart aged-care bedding, wearable biosensors for molecular monitoring, and respiratory illness diagnostics—all examples of his commitment to technology with human impact.
Beyond the lab, Sriram has become one of Australia’s most influential science advocates. He has served on the board of Science & Technology Australia (STA) since 2018 and currently leads the organisation as President. He delivered a National Press Club address in 2023 on building a connected innovation ecosystem and maximising the return on Australia’s R&D investment. He is a vocal champion for diversity and inclusion in science, as well as the advancement of early- and mid-career researchers.
STA CEO Ryan Winn praised the appointment:
“Sharath is an outstanding and innovative Australian researcher who has the runs on the board, taking great ideas through to product development and turning them into economy-boosting businesses.
He’s a superb choice to be Western Australia’s new Chief Scientist.”
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron echoed the sentiment: “Sharath is an outstanding advocate for applied research, playing a vital role in building Australia’s innovation ecosystem.”
“His ability to drive collaboration across government, industry and academia epitomises how we can create greater impact.”
In his new role, Professor Sriram will advise the WA Government on science priorities, economic diversification, and the development of future industries, while also inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers through STEM outreach.
WA’s outgoing Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken, was widely credited with guiding the state through major strategic shifts in science, including contributions to the WA Innovation Strategy, the STEM Skills Strategy, and the energy transition. Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson thanked him for his “dedication and enduring contribution” and expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor.
Professor Sriram will continue as STA President until November 2025 and will maintain his RMIT affiliations while serving as WA’s fourth Chief Scientist.
With his unique ability to bridge science, policy, and industry, Sharath Sriram is poised to shape Western Australia’s innovation agenda at a time when bold thinking and connected leadership are more crucial than ever.
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