Sarah Brown is based at the Australian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the European Union in Brussels.
Sarah’s role is to:
- manage the relationship between Australia and European countries in relation to industry, science, research, technology, energy and resources matters
- advance the portfolio’s interests across Europe
- facilitate bilateral relationships and dialogue between Australia and European countries.
Most recently, Sarah was the Chief of Staff for Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel. She supported Dr Finkel in advising the Australian Government on a wide range of science, research, education and innovation policies and issues. A highlight of her time with Dr Finkel was the release of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy and the Low Emissions Technology Statement.
Before joining the Office of the Chief Scientist, she led international science policy in the department, with responsibility for the Global Innovation Strategy under the National Science and Innovation Agenda. Her section also led the bilateral science and innovation engagement with the European Union and its Member States, the United States of America, Canada, Singapore and Korea.
Sarah previously held senior roles in the peak body Universities Australia, including Policy Director International and Policy Director Research and Innovation, leading work on key policy and engagement documents and processes for the university sector. Her previous science and research related policy roles our department and its predecessors included developing and implementing research infrastructure policy and national research and science investment planning and prioritisation.