Prof. Naomi McClure-Griffiths becomes SKAO's first chief scientist
Prof. McClure-Griffiths took up the role on 21 July, bringing more than 20 years of experience in research and leadership, including a deep knowledge of the SKA project, having served as the inaugural chair of the Observatory's independent Science and Engineering Advisory Committee (SEAC) between 2021 and 2025.
Her prize-winning research focuses on studying gas and magnetic fields in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, and includes the 2004 discovery of a new spiral arm within the Milky Way.
She has published more than 200 research papers with more than 12,500 citations to date, and is leading two large sky surveys with the ASKAP radio telescope, one of the SKA precursor telescopes in Australia.
Prof. McClure-Griffiths’ new responsibilities as chief scientist will include shaping the Observatory’s science strategy and working to maximise its overall scientific return.
“I am really excited to be able to keep contributing to the SKA project, which is an endeavour I have spent my entire career preparing for,” Prof. McClure-Griffiths said.
“My priority will be to evolve the SKAO’s engagement with the science community as we prepare for scientific operations. Now is the time when people can start thinking big about their early SKA science objectives, and I will be putting a lot of effort into understanding the specific needs of all the different scientific communities.
“I’m also looking to extend our engagement beyond the traditional radio astronomy communities – we’ve always said that SKA telescopes are for all astronomers, and I want to make good on that!”
Prof. McClure-Griffiths holds a physics degree with honours from Oberlin College in Ohio and a PhD in astrophysics from the University of Minnesota, both in the United States. She moved to Australia in 2001, taking on senior roles at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, before moving to the Australian National University in 2015, where she was associate director of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Among an array of honours and awards, Prof. McClure-Griffiths was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2022, and currently holds a prestigious five-year Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship.
She has supervised more than 50 PhD, master's and postdoctoral researchers during her career, and will be responsible for establishing and overseeing an SKAO postdoctoral research programme as SKAO construction transitions to operations.
“Naomi is an exceptional scientist whose accomplishments speak for themselves. I am delighted that she is joining the Observatory during this exciting new phase, as we head towards early science operations,” said SKAO Director-General Prof. Philip Diamond.
“She is the ideal person to act as the champion for SKA science within the Observatory, and to enhance and intensify our relationships with the global SKA science community, ensuring the SKAO helps to nurture the next generation of astronomers who will use this facility throughout their careers.”