Klinken appointed WA's new chief scientist

The eminent medical researcher who discovered the gene that suppresses tumour growth has been appointed Western Australia's new chief scientist.

Peter Klinken, who is highly regarded for advancing the understanding of genes involved in leukaemia, cancer and anaemia, said it was an "unbelievable honour and privilege" to be appointed to the role.

"One of the great dreams that I have is seeing this city and this state become a centre of innovation and creativity, a real hub of knowledge that can complement the arts, the music and the cultural scene in WA," he said.

"We have some wonderful flora and fauna that we could be examining to see if they've got chemicals there that might arrest cancer, which might arrest viruses and so on.

"I'd love to be involved in creating a new industry around science, a new biotechnology pharmaceutical industry for example, if we could bring that to WA or enhance that I'd be chuffed."

Professor Klinken will officially begin his new role on July 1 and will also continue his leukaemia research.

Since obtaining his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of WA in 1982, he has played a major role in establishing the state's premier adult medical research institute, the Harry Perkins Institute, which has made many acclaimed medical discoveries under his stewardship.

The role of chief scientist was created in 2003 under the Gallop government and has been vacant since December when Lyn Beazley stepped down after seven years in the job.