Professor Craig Simmons FRSN FAA FTSE, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science, and the Environment at the University of Newcastle has recently been announced as the new Chief Scientist of South Australia. He will take on a three-year term in this past-time role while continuing as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle.

Professor Simmons is an expert in groundwater science, working in both the public and private sectors. Originally from South Australia, Professor Simmons was the 2015 SA Scientist of the Year while working at Flinders University, at which he established the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.

In extending his congratulations to Professor Simmons, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO FRSN FAA FTSE, said his appointment was a testament to his outstanding expertise.

The Council of the Royal Society of NSW warmly congratulates Professor Simmons on this further recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and wishes him every success in this new role.