Prominent Queensland biotechnologist, Dr Peter Riddles, has been appointed a part-time member of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Board.

Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane said Dr Riddles’ experience and expertise in biotechnology in both the higher education and research sectors will be of great value to the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.

“Dr Riddles’ broad experience across the life sciences including working on commercialisation and new venture creation, and on policy development and strategy with governments, will complement the existing skills and expertise of the CSIRO Board,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Dr Riddles is a board director and consultant including Chairman to Life Sciences Queensland Ltd.

His career includes working in the private sector, with government bodies and research institutes.

He founded ViciBio Pty Ltd, a firm specialising in providing strategic advice to organisations, companies and governments involved in life sciences and technology.  Previously, he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of IMBcom Pty Ltd and Executive Director of CSIRO’s Bioactive Molecule Discovery Program.

Dr Riddles has a PhD from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma in Business from Deakin University. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Life Member of AusBiotech. In 2010, he was awarded the Life Sciences Industry Excellence Award for his contribution to Queensland industries.