Alan Brien, CEO of not-for-profit Western Australian science organisation SciTech, is to retire after 17 years in the role.

Scitech, which operates the Scitech Discovery Centre in Perth, has been led by Brien since the start of the millennium. In that time he has helped turn the institution into the region’s leading science centre.

While under his leadership, Scitech has undergone a major refurbishment including the installation of the largest digital planetarium in the Southern Hemisphere and the expansion of Scitech's ‘Statewide’ travelling roadshow, which is seen by around 200,000 people each year. A new high-rise education precinct has also been proposed by the Labor government. Dubbed Education Central, the precinct would comprise the Perth Academic College and a new state-of-the-art Scitech facility.

“Alan retires having made a significant contribution to Scitech,” said Tony Joyner, Scitech Board chair. “Under his leadership, Scitech has grown and developed enormously to become one of the world’s leading interactive science centres.

“On behalf of current and past board members we would like to thank Alan for the enormous contribution he has made to Scitech. Many people have contributed to the success of this iconic Western Australian institution over the last couple of decades – none stand taller than Alan.”

The Scitech board is conducting an international search for a candidate to start the role between August and November 2017. Brien will remain in his position until a new chief executive is appointed.

“Scitech has been a wonderful opportunity for me, it’s been a varied and challenging career. I am extremely proud of our achievements to date and look forward to seeing the development of a New Scitech at Education Central,” said Brien.

“I will remain as CEO of Scitech until the new CEO is appointed to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and the continued development of world class STEM initiatives for the Western Australian community.”