Professor Jon Whittle appointed as Data61 director

CSIRO has appointed Monash University Executive Dean Professor Jon Whittle as Director of its data science arm, Data61.

A globally renowned software engineering and human-computer interaction expert, Whittle brings decades of tech experience and a keen interest in “IT for social good”.

Alongside his Executive Deanship at Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology, Whittle has worked as Founding Co-director of the Monash Data Futures Institute. Under this role he has led applied AI research in health sciences, sustainable development and policy governance.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said he is excited about what Data61 could achieve under Whittle’s tenure.

“Professor Whittle’s work is highly interdisciplinary, making him an excellent fit for CSIRO and our connected, multidisciplinary approach to solving the greatest challenges,” Marshall said.

“Since we created Data61 as part of Strategy 2020, CSIRO has become home to Australia’s leading data science and innovation group, partnering with government, industry and academia to solve Australia’s largest data-driven challenges underpinned by deep science and technology.

“Jon is well placed to take CSIRO’s digital journey into its next phase, maximising the opportunities that digital and data science can deliver for the nation, and the world."

Whittle will commence the role in July. Dr Simon Barry will take up the position of Deputy Director at Data61 and Dr Marcus Zipper as Director of Manufacturing.

Pictured: Professor Jon Whittle