Results of BHAG process
As reported in the last issue of the ATNF News, the ATNF was lead Division on a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) proposal, in response to a call from CSIRO's Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Garrett. BHAGs deal with the areas of science and technology in which CSIRO hope to make a national and global impact, over the coming decades. The ATNF-led proposal was titled `Catalysing the Australian Space Industry' and was one of fifteen proposals submitted across all CSIRO Divisions.
Dr Graham Harris, CSIRO BHAG coordinator, provided the following feedback on the ATNF proposal:
"The space BHAG proposal was not selected for further development by Geoff Garrett and the group. The final decision was based both on the quality of the bids and the cohesion of the bid team, together with the outcomes of wide consultation with Sector Chairs and senior representatives of Government and industry. Each of the BHAGs addresses an issue of national importance where CSIRO can play a timely and critical role. We were looking for areas where key science breakthroughs could be taken right through to the stage of adoption and value generation. At this stage we have seven BHAG proposals being developed but I stress that we are only taking options on these at this stage. i.e. no final funding decisions have been made and no money will change hands until we have a well developed business and project plan which includes new collaborations and partnerships. The seven BHAG themes are: Light Metals, Energy, Healthy Country, Oceans, Agri-food, eAustralia and preventative Health. Each of these themes is being subjected to a full ex ante financial analysis which will help us to identify the investment opportunities. I expect that some of the better developed BHAGs will begin to get off the ground later this financial year."
Steven Tingay
(Steven.Tingay@csiro.au)