2019 was the year when the United States realised that it may not always lead the world in science and technology. Debates about the implications of the rise of China have been accompanied by debates about the direction of American innovation and a rising “techlash” at home that is featuring more and more in the presidential campaign for 2020.

In this seminar, Paul Harris, Director of the ANU North American Liaison Office in Washington DC, will examine the drivers for change in American S&T policy, and where they might lead.

Recently, Paul Harris was appointed Director of the NALO having previously held a position as Counsellor (Education and Science) in the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.

Prior to Tokyo, Paul worked as a Deputy Director of the HC Coombs Policy Forum in the Crawford School of Public Policy - a new cross-campus unit established to improve the links between academics and policy-makers. He also created and led a Science, Technology and Public Policy program in the Coombs Forum.

Previously Paul held a range of positions at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), including General Manager for Government and International Relations. He was also seconded to the Australian Government as General Manager, Science Policy in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.

Paul was the Australian representative to the OECD project on the role and responsibilities of scientists in policy-making and previously chaired the Australian selection panel for the Fulbright International Science and Technology Award. He has written articles and reports on the relationship between research and policy, as well as on international collaboration and strategy, science diplomacy and research impact.

Paul has also worked in the Australian Parliament and in publishing. He was born in Canada and holds a Bachelor of Arts (first class honours) and a Masters of International Affairs from ANU.