ANU theoretical physicist and astronomer Professor Penny Sackett has been named as Australia’s new chief scientist.

Sackett is the first woman to hold the position. She takes over from plant scientist Dr Jim Peacock, who finished his stint on August 31.

Sackett will take up the-now full-time post in November.

She holds a PhD in theoretical physics and worked predominantly on dark matter as well as the use of micro-lensing to search for extra-solar planets.

She was director of the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Mount Stromlo Observatory, during which time she set up a cross-disciplinary planetary science institute at ANU.

She is certified to teach science and mathematics at primary and secondary school levels and considers herself a physicist by training, an astronomer by profession and an educator by inclination.

She will remain as an adjunct professor at ANU and continue working with her PhD students.