Dr Peter Mayfield, CSIRO Executive Director for Environment, Energy and Resources, said CSIRO’s energy science was world-leading, and Dr Finnigan was well qualified to take the organisation’s innovation agenda in energy to the next level.
“Dr Finnigan brings to CSIRO an impressive record in innovation as an accomplished inventor and holder of 40 patents,” Dr Mayfield said.
“He has overseen the translation of research into commercialisation and will now lead some of the country’s leading researchers and brightest minds to pioneer low-emission technologies and help guide Australia towards a smart and secure energy future.”
With a PhD in Environmental Engineering, Dr Finnigan has a 20-year career spanning research, academic and commercial leadership roles across the energy sector. More recently he has been the CEO and MD of BioPower Systems, a marine renewable energy design and development organisation; and since 2005 held an Adjunct Associate Professorship at the University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering and IT.
“Dr Finnigan’s combination of research leadership and commercial acumen, including funding acquisition and team leadership makes him a valuable and welcome addition to our leadership team,” Dr Mayfield said.
“He will be leading research vital to helping shape Australia’s economic competitiveness and regional energy security which spans the whole spectrum of the energy mix – from solar, batteries and fuel cells to longwall mining, CO2 capture and smarter electricity networks.”
Dr Finnigan will commence with CSIRO in February 2017 and be based in Sydney.
Dr Timothy Finnigan
Director (Energy)
Dr Finnigan has a PhD in Environmental Engineering and a 20 year career spanning research, academic and commercial leadership roles across the energy sector. Dr Finnigan combines a strong academic and technical understanding of science and engineering with astute business judgement and record in commercialisation success.
