John Söderbaum

About John

Dr John Söderbaum is a scientist with over 40 years of policy and program experience. His work includes energy, climate change, R&D, innovation and industry development. John works at the interface of the public, private and research sectors and believes collaboration between all these sectors is an important driver of innovation and productivity.

Some of John’s past projects include:

• an assessment of the impact and value of Australia's investment in CSIRO
• the 2003 Australian National Hydrogen Study which helped establish the framework for Australia’s domestic and international activities in relation to hydrogen
• an evaluation of CSIRO's Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF)
• a report for ARENA on the opportunities for Australia to export hydrogen
• an evaluation of the benefits delivered by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)
• preparing the South Australian Government’s Green Hydrogen Strategy
• an Issues Paper on Hydrogen in Natural Gas Networks to inform the National Hydrogen Strategy The Issues Paper examined matters relevant to the blending of hydrogen in the gas network and explored early ‘no regrets’ actions that could be taken now to maximise the potential use of 100 per cent hydrogen in the gas distribution network once this is feasible
• an assessment of the impact of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)
• a report that assessed the roles, opportunities and challenges that hydrogen might play in future to support Australia’s power systems
• three reports for Agriculture Minister’s Forum (AGMIN) aimed at supporting agriculture to adapt to climate change. The first explored climate scenarios and prepared a stocktake of current approaches. The second analysed the opportunities and risks of climate change for agricultural industries. The third identified actions and work program that could inform the development of a national strategy for adaptation to climate change and emissions reduction in agriculture
• an independent evaluation of the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA)
• an evaluation of Geoscience Australia’s Exploring for the Future (EFTF) program.

Dr Söderbaum has over 40 years of experience in providing analysis and advice to the public sector, businesses and international organisations. Prior to joining ACIL Allen, he held senior positions with the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the International Energy Agency.

John is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and Chair of the ATSE Energy Forum. He has a Bachelor of Science (1st class Honours) from the University of Western Australia and a PhD from the Australian National University.