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The global policy think tank has named the new head of its Australian division.
Andrew Dowse, retired Air Vice-Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force and former director of defence research at Edith Cowan University, has been named as director of RAND Australia.
Dowse has become the first Australian to lead the company’s local operations, established in 2014.
The retired AVM has been tasked with engaging with government representatives to support national and regional priorities, which includes providing research support for the Sovereign Guided Weapons Enterprise.
Dowse, who holds a PhD in information science from the University of New South Wales, replaces Carl Rhodes, who oversaw a transition towards the localisation of accountability for projects to the Australian team.
“Andrew brings to RAND extensive defence and research experience, as well as leadership and engagement qualities,” Michael Rich, president and CEO of US-based RAND, said.
“He joins RAND at a critical time for research and policy analysis in Australia. As the country navigates economic recovery, a continuing pandemic, increasing national disasters, cyber threats and more, it is robust research and analysis that can help solve complex policy problems and develop strategies for national resilience.”
Dowse welcomed the opportunity to lead RAND’s Australian division.
“I’ve long admired RAND’s approach to high quality research and analysis and am excited about joining the organisation,” he said.
“We as a nation face so many challenges right now, where such analysis in public policy can make a real difference to our future.”
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