Announced today, the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) has welcomed the appointment of its new Board Chair, Dr Adelle Howse.
Dr Howse’s appointment follows the recent retirement of Dr Ron Sandland AM after almost eight years in the role. She said she was looking forward to working with AMSI Director, Professor Tim Brown, the AMSI membership, Board, staff and funding partners and supporting government engagement to further strengthen national mathematical capability.
“I am honoured to lead the Board in helping deliver AMSI’s mission and its impact as a force to bridge schools with academia and in turn industry” said Dr Howse.
Dr Sandland said he was delighted to hand the Board leadership to someone as experienced and skilled as Dr Howse.
“A mathematically trained corporate executive, Adelle brings great vision and capacity to this role,” he said.
AMSI Director, Professor Tim Brown said Dr Howse brought clarity of purpose and wide-ranging connections that would play an important role in the Institute’s ongoing sustainability within a rapidly changing funding environment.
“Adelle’s experience in industry and business, as a C-suite Executive and Company Director, will be hugely beneficial to AMSI and its refreshed business strategy,” he said.
Professor Brown said he looked forward to working with Dr Howse who brings strong mathematical background with deep knowledge and commitment to the discipline across the pipeline.
Dr Howse has a long history with AMSI having held positions on governance committees and as a member of the Board since 2012, including as Deputy Chair to Dr Sandland. She praised her predecessor for his instrumental role in helping to drive the Institute’s growth and impact.
“I have had the pleasure of being Deputy Chair under Ron’s leadership for over two years. He has played a key role in the organisation’s transformation to a membership of 41 and a portfolio of impressive activities across schools, research, research training and PhD internships.”
Professor Tim Brown also thanked Dr Sandland for his outstanding leadership and positive influence on both the Board and AMSI staff.
“Ron’s dedication, perseverance, wisdom, knowledge and network have benefited AMSI in so many ways during his tenure. All members of the Board have benefited from his great skill and experience as is shown through their relationship with Institute staff,” he said.
Dr Sandland first engaged with AMSI to chair a review of the Institute that resulted in the implementation of a series of recommendations to bolster external board representation and shape future direction of the Institute.
Highlights during his tenure include AMSI Schools securing $22 million in BHP Foundation funding to deliver the Choose Maths project and significant Australian Government funding for the Institute’s flagship Research and Higher Education initiatives and APR.Intern program. He says it is a markedly different institute from the one he first joined.
“AMSI has grown three-fold over the period I’ve been Board Chair. Under former AMSI director Professor Geoff Prince’s leadership, AMSI increased its reach and profile as the national body for mathematics. This has been evidenced by its influence as a principal pipeline advocate and key voice in policy discussion from school education to national productivity,” he said.
About AMSI
AMSI is the collaborative enterprise of Australia’s mathematical sciences. Established as an independent platform and advocate for the discipline, the Institute has built a record of national and international achievement as the recognised leader in delivery of services, activities and strategic initiatives across the mathematical pipeline.
Working with key discipline, government and industry partners, AMSI delivers its mission through through the delivery of activities and engagement under its program areas:
For more information visit, amsi.org.au
For Interview:
Dr Adelle Howse, AMSI Board Chair
Professor Tim Brown, AMSI Director
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 04215 18733