Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer

What Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer does

The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) is a statutory advisory body within the NSW Premier's Department, established in 2008 with Professor Mary O'Kane AC as the inaugural NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer. Headquartered at Level 6, 52 Martin Place, Sydney with approximately 35 staff, OCSE provides independent, evidence-based scientific advice to the NSW Premier, Ministers and government agencies on complex environmental, energy, health, water and infrastructure challenges through formally assembled expert panels and published reports (including work on PFAS, koala conservation, Broken Hill lead exposure, Menindee fish deaths, silica monitoring, tunnel air quality, and decarbonisation). The agency also operates the annual NSW Scientist of the Year prize, the NSW Science & Research Breakfast Seminar Series, and the NSW Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering.

OCSE's portfolio spans four functional pillars: independent reports, research support under the Research Attraction and Acceleration Program (co-investment grants, conference sponsorship, infrastructure support, and strategic networks including the Defence Innovation Network, NSW Smart Sensing Network, Space Research Network, Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, Waratah Research Network, and NSW RNA Research and Training Network), industry development (commercialisation grants such as the Biosciences Fund, Physical Sciences Fund, RNA Pipeline Grants and the new $20 million Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund, plus innovation procurement programmes), and STEM outreach (grants, sponsorships and competitions for schools and students). The flagship infrastructure investment is the $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus, opened in April 2026 and operated by Aurora Biosynthetics under a client-retains-IP model, supported by a separate $119 million 10-year RNA R&D Initiatives fund. Recent strategic activity includes a September 2025 MoU with Singapore's A*STAR covering quantum, RNA therapeutics and semiconductors.

OCSE is publicly funded through NSW Government budget allocations and does not generate commercial revenue or charge for its advisory services and grant programmes. It does not operate a unified technology platform; its "core technology" is the convening of expert panels, network coordination, and grant administration on behalf of the state. Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte currently serves as NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, leading a team that includes executive support, media and events, and a dedicated grants office. Distribution occurs entirely through direct government-to-stakeholder channels within New South Wales and nationally, with international engagement now extending to Singapore.

Name

Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer

Legal name

Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer

Website

https://chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) is a NSW Government advisory body that delivers independent scientific reports, manages research and commercialisation programmes (including the $96M RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility), and runs STEM outreach for government, universities, SMEs and students across New South Wales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Scientific Advisory Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy) (BPAIAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research Administration & Compliance (Sponsored Programs, IRB/REB) (EDADAKAH), Permitting, Siting & Environmental Impact (EIA/NEPA) Advisory (EUAMANAB)

Keywords

• Scientific advisory services
• Government research grants
• Commercialisation funding programs
• STEM outreach initiatives
• Independent expert reports

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer delivers independent, evidence-based scientific advice to the NSW Government through expert panels covering energy, environment, water, health, and infrastructure. It manages the Research Attraction and Acceleration Program (RAAP) providing co-investment grants, conference sponsorships, infrastructure support, and strategic research networks. It also administers industry development programs including commercialisation grants, innovation procurement, and the $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility, alongside STEM outreach sponsorships and awards programs.

Product overview

The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer is a government advisory body (not a commercial product company) that delivers four core functions: (1) Independent scientific reports and advice to government on environmental, energy, health, and infrastructure challenges through expert panels; (2) Research Support programs under the Research Attraction and Acceleration Program (RAAP) including co-investment grants, conference sponsorship, infrastructure funding, and strategic research networks (Defence Innovation Network, NSW Smart Sensing Network, Space Research Network, Decarbonisation Innovation Hub); (3) Industry Development programs including commercialisation grants (Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund, Biosciences Fund, RNA Pipeline Grants), innovation procurement, and the flagship $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility; (4) STEM Outreach programs and events including grants, sponsorships, the NSW Commercialisation Showcase, NSW Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering, and the Science & Research Breakfast Seminar Series. There is no unified product platform—the portfolio consists of distinct government programs, initiatives, and advisory services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RNA Australia: Initiative to coordinate NSW RNA research ecosystem and industry engagement
• NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN)
• Defence Innovation Network (DIN)
• Space Research Network
• Decarbonisation Innovation Hub

Products and services

• Independent Scientific Reports Evidence-based independent scientific reports delivered to the NSW Government on complex challenges (energy, environment, water, health, infrastructure), assembled through expert panels and committees covering areas such as PFAS, Menindee Fish Deaths, NSW Energy Market, Broken Hill Lead, Tunnel Air Quality, and Decarbonisation.
• Research Support Programs (RAAP) NSW Government's Research Attraction and Acceleration Program (RAAP) providing co-investment grants, conference sponsorships, infrastructure support, and network funding to attract and retain research capability in NSW.
• Strategic Research Networks Strategic research networks including Defence Innovation Network (DIN), NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN), Space Research Network, Waratah Research Network, and Decarbonisation Innovation Hub that build collaboration between government, universities, and industry.
• RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility A $96 million GMP-grade RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility at Macquarie University enabling Australian RNA R&D to progress to commercialisation, operated by Aurora Biosynthetics for vaccine and therapeutic development.
• Industry Development and Commercialisation Grants

Quantifiable outcome

• RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility opened at Macquarie University in 2026
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 September 2025MoU signed between NSW Government and Singapore's A*STAR to strengthen cooperation in research and innovation. Focus areas include quantum technologies, RNA therapeutics, and semiconductors. Builds on NSW investments in RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility, Sydney Quantum Academy, and semiconductor initiatives through S3B and Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility.
• Health InfrastructurecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Government agency that delivered the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility project in partnership with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer.
• RNA AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Organisation led by Chair Kate Pounder and CEO Paul McDonald that provides ongoing engagement with Australian academic community alongside Aurora Biosynthetics for the RNA ecosystem.
• Hindmarsh ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Appointed as main works contractor for RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility construction in May 2024.
• Property & Development NSWminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Ownership of the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility transferred to Property & Development NSW following construction completion.
• Defence Innovation Network (HEO, Sitle)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025DIN collaborated with HEO and Sitle to develop the OWL (Omnidirectional Wide-angle Locator) prototype for satellite tracking, unveiled at IAC 2025. OWL features novel precision gimballed two-mirror system developed with support from Macquarie University and UNSW Sydney.
• NSW RNA Research and Training Network (NSW-RRTN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Part of the $119M RNA R&D Initiatives fund, supporting research and training in RNA technology across NSW.
• Macquarie UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Host institution for the $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility located at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus within the Innovation Precinct. The facility will be operated by Aurora Biosynthetics.
• Aurora BiosyntheticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Selected as operator of the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility. Aurora Biosynthetics (subsidiary of Myeloid Therapeutics) will engage with researchers and clients advancing therapeutic innovations. Clients retain full ownership of their IP while using facility services.
• RNA AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Initiative under the $119M RNA R&D Initiatives fund to coordinate RNA research efforts across Australian academia.
• RNA Pipeline Grants ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Component of the $119M RNA R&D Initiatives fund ($6M) supporting development of RNA-based products and technologies.
• RNA Investment FundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Part of the $119M RNA R&D Initiatives fund to support investment in RNA research and commercialisation.
• Decarbonisation Innovation HubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Hub established under the Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program to support researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to collaborate and increase uptake of decarbonisation technologies.
• Space Research NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Research network focused on space technology research and development in NSW, part of the state's research and innovation networks.
• Waratah Research NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Established in October 2018 to provide mechanism for government, universities and research community to work together strategically on NSW priorities. Brings together high-impact research teams to translate research excellence into innovative ideas and evidence-based policies.
• NSW Government Agencies (multiple)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Multiple NSW Government agencies offer research collaboration and funding opportunities through the Waratah Research Network.
• Defence Innovation Network (DIN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Research network established by OCSE in 2017 to drive innovation in defence technology. Collaborates with local industry partners including HEO and Sitle on space domain awareness projects.
• NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Research network established by OCSE through the Research Attraction and Acceleration Program in 2016. Builds on NSW research and industry strengths in smart sensing technology.
• Australian Science Media CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOCSE is a Foundation Sponsor of the Australian Science Media Centre, which supports science journalism across Australia.
• Engineers AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM sponsorship program raising awareness and engagement in high school students through Engineers Australia programs.
• National Youth Science ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit organisation running residential programs for Year 12 students with passion for STEM, supported by OCSE.
• Science and Engineering ChallengeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram giving NSW students in Years 9 and 10 chance to experience how science and engineering help solve real-world problems, supported by OCSE.
• NSW Vice-Chancellors' CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOCSE collaborates with research organisations including through the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Committee to engage the private sector and strategically enhance the RNA value chain.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Health Innovation, Investment and Research Office (Western Australia): WA's office coordinating health and medical research investment, comparable to OCSE's role in coordinating state-level research investment and commercialisation, but focused on health and biomedical research.
• VicHealth / veski (Victoria's Lead Scientist Office): Victoria's state-level science, research and innovation programs (including veski and Lead Scientist). Operates a similar mandate of advising government and supporting R&D commercialisation but is geographically focused on Victoria.
• Queensland Chief Scientist Office: Queensland's counterpart office advising the state government on scientific matters and supporting research translation. Comparable in function to OCSE but operates within a different state jurisdiction and policy environment.

Broad incumbents

• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): Australia's national science agency, performing scientific research and providing policy advice across energy, environment, health and industry. Comparable to OCSE as the federal counterpart delivering R&D, advisory and commercialisation services, but with a much broader mandate.
• Science Foundation Ireland: Irish national foundation funding oriented research and investigator awards programs. Comparable to OCSE's Research Attraction and Acceleration Program (RAAP) in supporting research capability and STEM talent pipelines.
• National Science Foundation (USA): US federal agency funding research and education across science and engineering. Comparable in role (public R&D funding and policy advisory), though at a much larger scale than OCSE.
• UK Government Office for Science: Provides independent science advice to the UK Prime Minister and government. Closely mirrors OCSE's mandate of delivering independent expert advice to government leaders on complex scientific and technological issues.

Others

• Australian Academy of Science: Independent body of distinguished Australian scientists providing policy advice. Comparable to OCSE in convening eminent scientists for independent advice and policy engagement, though as a learned academy rather than government agency.
• Research Australia: National peak body for health and medical research in Australia, advocating for R&D investment. Adjacent to OCSE in the broader Australian research policy ecosystem and stakeholder community.

Direct peers

• Office of the Chief Scientist (Australian Government): Federal Chief Scientist office providing independent science advice to the Australian Government. Directly comparable to OCSE in role and function, but operating at the national level rather than a single state.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/office-of-the-nsw-chief-scientist-engineer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer