Michelle Edge has been appointed as Director of Health and Biosecurity, a multi-disciplinary research team tackling biosecurity preparedness and responsiveness, digital health, and wellbeing.
Dr Michael Robertson has also been appointed Director of Agriculture and Food, a globally recognised team creating healthier, trusted, safer and more sustainable food and fibre for the future.
Executive Director Future Industries at CSIRO Kirsten Rose, said she was thrilled with the leadership appointments for these teams, whose world-leading researchers are helping solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.
“Michelle and Michael both have strong track records in leadership and innovation, coupled with deep experience in turning science into solutions to solve real-world problems,” she said.
“In these leadership positions, they will play a critical role in helping turn big ideas into disruptive solutions, and inspiring and driving their teams to blaze new trails of discovery.
Ms Edge is an experienced and accomplished Chief Executive with more than 20 years’ experience in biosecurity, health and agriculture Leading the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) for the past two years she played a key role in the State Government’s response to COVID-19, oversaw State emergency responses to bushfire, flood, hailstorms and the fruit fly eradication program, and implemented major policy reforms, including consultation on proposed Biosecurity legislation.
Before joining PIRSA, Michelle was CEO of the industry-government partnership organisation, Operational Solutions (OSPRI) for Primary Industries New Zealand where she led national policy and program delivery in biosecurity, pest and disease management, wildlife and animal health and livestock traceability.
Dr Michael Robertson has been at CSIRO for 29 years, where he has held a range of leadership roles including Deputy Director of Agriculture and Food, and Acting Director of Health and Biosecurity.
Dr Robertson has been integral to furthering research in digital agriculture, and championing CSIRO’s Missions, which are large-scale, impact focussed scientific and collaborative research initiatives aimed at making significant breakthroughs. His research background is in crop agronomy, farming systems and simulation modelling.
Ms Edge will commence with CSIRO on 4 July, with Dr Robertson taking up his new role on 1 August.
