Queen’s Birthday honours for DST

Chief Science Strategy and Program, Dr Janis Cocking, has received the Public Service Medal and a former DST Board Chairman, Neil Edwards, an Order of Australia award in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Dr Cocking has been honoured for outstanding service in the field of Defence science and technology. She has been officially recognised for driving the strategic innovation agenda for DST and strengthening Australian Defence expertise and research infrastructure through international collaboration.

Acting Chief Defence Scientist Dr Todd Mansell said "as the lead of the Next Generation Technologies Fund, Dr Cocking continues to demonstrate her commitment to the future of science and we are very proud of her significant contributions over many years."

Neil Edwards was awarded an Order of Australia for outstanding service, guidance and advice to Government in areas of public policy, change management, inter government relations and economic development. He was also recognised for his deep interest and understanding of Defence science and its support to the Australian Defence Force including as Chairman of the former DST Advisory Board from 2008 to 2014.