CSIRO’s Chief Information Officer Announces Retirement

Brendan Dalton, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has announced his upcoming retirement after nearly a decade of service to the agency. He will officially step down by the end of the year, leading CSIRO to initiate the search for his successor. This transition comes at a critical time as the new CIO will be responsible for developing and executing the agency's IT vision and strategic plan, which are vital for supporting CSIRO's ongoing scientific advancements and technological innovations.

Throughout his tenure, Dalton has played a pivotal role in shaping CSIRO’s IT function, providing strategic and organizational leadership to ensure the delivery of secure, adaptive, and innovative information and technology solutions across the organization. His leadership was further emphasized when he took on both the CIO and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles from March 2022 until recently, when Jamie Rossato was appointed as the new CISO. This dual role highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in CSIRO's operations, particularly given the agency's commitment to cutting-edge research and the sensitive nature of the information it handles.

As CSIRO embarks on the recruitment process for Dalton’s successor, the advertisement for the new CIO outlines the qualities and responsibilities expected of the incoming leader. The ideal candidate will be characterized as a pragmatic and inspirational leader, capable of delivering innovative and robust information governance and cyber services. They will have oversight of managing and delivering CSIRO’s information systems and IT infrastructure, with a significant focus on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to mitigate various IT and security-related risks.

Key responsibilities for the new CIO will encompass exploring and integrating innovative emerging technologies that align with CSIRO’s strategic goals. They will also lead initiatives in digital transformation, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of technological advancements in research and development. The incoming CIO will oversee CSIRO's Dell-built high-performance computer (HPC), Virga, which is critical for handling large-scale scientific computations and supporting diverse research initiatives.

Another significant aspect of the new CIO's role will involve continuing the replacement of CSIRO’s two core enterprise platforms. This initiative includes transitioning from an SAP-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and an in-house-built business pipeline and research management system, with a target completion date set for 2027. This transition is essential for modernizing CSIRO's operational capabilities and enhancing its efficiency in managing research and administrative tasks.

Brendan Dalton’s retirement marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in CSIRO’s history, during which he has been instrumental in shaping the agency's IT landscape. As CSIRO seeks a new CIO, the emphasis will be on finding a leader who can drive innovation and ensure robust information governance in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. 

The incoming Chief Information Officer (CIO) will play a pivotal role in both sustaining and improving the technological capabilities of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). This position is vital for ensuring that CSIRO can effectively fulfill its mission of advancing scientific knowledge and fostering development, not just within Australia but on a global scale. The new CIO will be tasked with navigating the complexities of the digital landscape, implementing innovative solutions that enhance research capabilities, and optimizing information governance. This leadership will be essential for fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines and ensuring that CSIRO remains at the forefront of scientific research and technological advancements. By leveraging emerging technologies and spearheading digital transformation initiatives, the next CIO will help position CSIRO as a leader in the global scientific community, ultimately contributing to advancements that benefit society at large.