Mr Stickells 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 the nation.
He is an experienced executive and company director with more than 20 years’ involvement in joint ventures, R&D and collaborative industry research programs. Mr Stickells’ most recent role 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. Prevously he was the Director of the Energy and Minerals Institute and CEO of the WA Energy Research Alliance.
Mr John Langoulant AO, Chair of the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, said Mr Stickell’s appointemnt was made after a rigorous selection process.
"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," Mr Langoulant said.
"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 Stickells said he was excited and humbled by the opportunity to join The Pawsey Centre.
"Pawsey has a tremendous foundation upon which to build and I am looking forward to joining the team in July," Mr Stickells said.
"In a future that is increasingly determined by innovation in data science, artificial intelligence and automation, Pawsey is a vital resource for Australian researchers. It is a national asset of which we should all be proud."
CSIRO, as the Centre Agent for Pawsey, will employ Mr Stickells.
Dr Dave Williams, CSIRO’s Executive Director Digital National Facilities and Collections, welcomed Mr Stickells’ appointment.
"Mark will play an important role in making sure Pawsey continues working with stakeholders like the radio astronomy community," Dr Williams said.
"He will be a great leader for Pawsey and I am pleased to welcome him as a new Executive in CSIRO."
The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre is a joint venture between CSIRO and four partner universities (Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia), supported by the Australian Government and Western Australian Government. It is one of several science-ready national facilities that CSIRO manages for use by Australian and international researchers.
