The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has announced the appointment of Julia Ballard as Director of CSIRO Publishing, marking a new phase for Australia’s not-for-profit, editorially independent publisher of journals, books, and science news. The appointment follows the recent launch of the ConnectSci platform, which integrates peer-reviewed articles, more than 700 eBooks, and science news content.
CSIRO Publishing continues to strengthen its position as Australia’s leading publisher of science and research, with a focus on open science, collaboration, and international impact. The Director role is positioned at a pivotal time for the organization, as it navigates the transition to open access while balancing the heritage of established programs with long-term financial sustainability.
Ballard brings 18 years of publishing experience gained at Wiley, where her roles spanned journals portfolio management, strategy and policy, customer experience, and marketing. Her background includes expertise in open access strategy and publishing models, strategic and operational transformation, and a deep understanding of the ANZ, Asia-Pacific, and global publishing landscapes.
Her experience also includes driving the adoption of digital platforms and workflow automation to improve publishing efficiency, alongside ensuring ethical standards, legal compliance, and data privacy across publishing operations. These capabilities align with CSIRO Publishing’s focus on innovation and responsible research dissemination.
Ballard commenced her role in January 2026. CSIRO acknowledged the contribution of Acting Director Tristy Falkenberg, who provided leadership and strategic guidance during the recruitment process.
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