Blog icon

Dr Deborah Lau

Mission Lead

https://people.csiro.au/L/D/Deborah-Lau

Contact

Please enter a valid first name

Please enter a valid last name

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter your message to send to the contact

Contact details:

PRIVATE BAG 10
CLAYTON SOUTH VIC 3169 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Dr Deborah Lau, MAICD, FRACI, leads CSIRO's Ending Plastic Waste mission which is the national catalyst for systemic change to tackle plastic pollution. Working across the entire plastics supply chain, the mission supports government and industry initiatives to eliminate litter and divert plastic waste into a resource to build Australia’s circular economy. Deborah has experience in developing innovation strategy, leading multidisciplinary research groups and delivering scientific outcomes with expertise in managing large scale operations, capability and research portfolios. Deborah is internationally recognized for contribution to the field of cultural heritage and conservation science and won the 2020 Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia Awards for global production of a novel varnish product called MS3, now being used to protect the world’s most valuable paintings. She is experienced in examining big data and is now applying her advanced analytics and informatics skills to gain strategic insights and grow business intelligence. Deborah has chaired and participated in more than 25 committees and advisory groups, and also represents CSIRO on the Australian New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) Collective Action Group.

Professional Areas

Fields of Research

Current

Academic Qualifications

  • 2011

    Certificate in Executive Management and Development
    AGSM, UNSW

  • 2020

    PhD (Physics)
    University of Melbourne

  • 1996

    M.Sc. Applied Science (Applied Chemistry)
    RMIT

  • 1990

    B.Sc Applied Science (Applied Biology)
    RMIT

  • 1986

    Assoc. Dip. Applied Science (Applied Biology)
    RMIT

Achievements and Awards

  • 2020-2020

    Winner, Best Research Contract/Collaboration for development of MS3 varnish
    Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia Awards

  • 2012-2012

    CSIRO Women in Science Careers Scholarship
    CPSU

  • 2010-2010

    Conservator of the Year
    AICCM

  • 2010-2010

    Award for Outstanding Research in the Field of Materials Conservation
    AICCM

  • 2009-2010

    Environmental Achievement Award, Burrup Rock Art Field Monitoring Study
    CSIRO

  • 2004-2004

    New Lights on Ancient Materials, SOLEIL synchrotron Saint-Aubin, France
    COST G8

  • 2003-2004

    Chief Executive Study Award
    CSIRO

Publications

We have publications by Dr Deborah Lau