May 23, 2018 — Pawsey Supercomputing Centre announces the appointment of WA based Mr Mark Stickells, as the new Director of the Centre effective 16 July 2018.

Making the announcement Mr John Langoulant AO, Chair of the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, said: “after undertaking a rigorous selection process, we welcome Mark to this crucial position.”

“Mark’s experience with government, industry, research and technology will bring synergy to Pawsey, and will help him to lead this Centre into a new era. After Pawsey’s recent funding announcement, Mark will play a key role in shaping the future of Australia’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) and in bringing a new range of users to the facility from across industry sectors,” Mr Langoulant said.

Mark is an advocate of science and innovation and has extensive experience in the resources sector. He has played a major role in developing networks across Australia and overseas, to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership that benefit researchers, industry and ultimately the Nation.

“I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to join Pawsey and would like to thank the joint venture partners for their support,” said Mark Stickells, “Pawsey has a tremendous foundation upon which to build and I am looking forward to joining the team in July.”

“In a future that is increasingly determined by innovation in data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, Pawsey is a vital resource for Australian researchers. This facility is a national asset of which we should all be proud.”

Mark is an experienced executive and company director with more than 20 years’ involvement in joint ventures, R&D and collaborative industry research programs. Mark’s most recent tenure was Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement at The University of Western Australia (UWA) where he led the development and stewardship of university partnerships with industry, governments and communities.  Previously he was the Director of the Energy and Minerals Institute and CEO of the WA Energy Research Alliance.

CSIRO, as the Centre Agent for Pawsey will employ Mr Stickells.  Dr Dave Williams, CSIRO’s Executive Director Digital National Facilities and Collections welcomed the appointment. “Mark will play an important role in making sure Pawsey continues working with stakeholders like the radio astronomy community. He will be a great leader for Pawsey and I am pleased to welcome him as a new Executive in CSIRO” Dr Williams said.

“Mr Stickells will replace Mr Ugo Varetto who has been acting in the position for six months, the Board, staff and I are indebted to him for his input into the development and continued growth of Pawsey Supercomputing Centre,” said Mr Langoulant.

About Pawsey Supercomputing Centre

The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre is a world-class high performance computing facility representing Australia’s commitment to the solution of Big Science problems. The facility provides researchers across the country, access to one of the largest supercomputers in the Southern Hemisphere. Pawsey is currently serving over 80 organisations and achieving unprecedented results, in domains such as radio astronomy, energy and resources, engineering, bioinformatics and health sciences.

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Source: Pawsey Supercomputing Centre