Dr Peter McDowall named as new Director of MSL
MSL pressure scientist to lead lab through a time of change
In May, we announced(external link) that Dr Annette Koo would soon leave New Zealand to become Director Designate of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM(external link)). We’re delighted to now be able to officially name her successor.
Effective 1st September, Dr Peter McDowall will be MSL Director and Chief Metrologist.
Peter has been at MSL since 2019, joining the lab as a research scientist in the Mass and Related Quantities team. He quickly rose to become the technical lead for Pressure standards, and is now a sought-after expert, working with many IANZ accredited pressure laboratories in New Zealand. Peter was involved in the design and build of our high-pressure calibration facility, he contributed to our primary realisation of the Pascal, and he’s part of the team developing a twin pressure balance for the MSL Kibble balance.
Peter joined the management group at MSL earlier this year, balancing his role as Team Leader for the Mass and Pressure, and Temperature and Humidity sections, with his lab work.
When asked why he decided to apply for the role of Director, he said, “With the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation and our pending transition into Earth Sciences New Zealand(external link), MSL is entering a time of change. I felt it was important that the lab continue to have a metrologist in the Director role during this transition, to represent our goals, priorities and culture. The more I considered whether I should put myself into the running, the more excited I got. It was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.”
“I can’t wait to get started. Yes, there is a lot to do in terms of preparing for the changes to come, but I’m feeling very motivated by that.”
Speaking about his predecessor, Peter said, “As a mentor, Annette has been incredible. I’m going to miss her tremendously, but I am very confident that she is the right person to lead BIPM into the future.”
“The influence that Annette has had on MSL has been enormous. She has been a very steady hand. The systems, processes and practices she set up, and the relationships she has built, have put us in the best possible position. Yes, I’ll bring a different voice, but ultimately my goal is to continue building on her work, providing stability and reassurance to our staff, stakeholders and customers.”
Annette says, "It is going to be hard to leave the team at MSL, all of whom I respect so much. But Peter will be an excellent Director and Chief Metrologist. His metrology experience and enthusiasm to build relationships mean he will hit the ground running. I have every confidence that MSL will continue to deliver fantastic measurement services for Aotearoa."