Lunch with Dr Doug Hilton AO

On 21 May 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting a lively and insightful conversation with Dr Doug Hilton AO, Chief Executive of CSIRO, and former Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research.

Dr Hilton spoke compellingly about the role of Australia’s national science agency in addressing the country’s most pressing scientific challenges. The discussion explored the remarkable breadth of CSIRO’s multidisciplinary research, its presence across 46 locations nationwide, and its extensive network of international collaborations.

We also delved into the vital role of scientific and biomedical research in shaping policy, and the importance of ensuring those policies are grounded in rigorous, independent evidence.

Dr Hilton’s approachable manner and talent for making complex topics accessible made for a convivial and enriching lunch conversation.