Larry R. Marshall

Born in Sydney Australia, he graduated from Macquarie University in 1988 with a PhD in physics,{{cite web |title=Larry Marshall {{!}} LinkedIn |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarrymarshallcsiro/ |website=LinkedIn |access-date=8 August 2022}} doing research with J. A. Piper on Nonlinear Optics & Lasers.{{Cite web |title=Larry Marshall – the power of science |url=https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/larry-marshall-the-power-of-science/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Macquarie Matters}}

In the United States he researched parametric oscillators and diode laser-pumped solid-state lasers. Marshall published 100 papers.https://www.osapublishing.org/search.cfm?q=larry marshall&meta=1&cj=1&cc=1

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He invented the "eyesafe laser" for LIDAR, the single-frequency solid-state blue laser for submarine imaging, the highest efficiency frequency-doubled laser, UV 289nm laser for detection of biological weapons, the intra-intra-cavity OPO for widely tunable IR medical lasers, and the semiconductor green laser for Ophthalmology.

Following his PhD work, Marshall lived in the United States where he spent time at Stanford University, founded 6 startups over 26 years,{{Cite web |title=Dr Larry Marshall |url=http://people.csiro.au/M/L/Larry-Marshall |accessdate=2015-10-02 |website=people.csiro.au}} and registered 20 US patents{{Cite web |title=Google |url=https://www.google.com.au/?tbm=pts&gws_rd=cr,ssl&ei=bhTiV_PeCcaijwT_6K2wDA#tbm=pts&q=larry+r+marshall}} which were the basis for his startups.[https://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/entrepreneur-larry-marshall-to-head-csiro-20141009-113k2b.html The Sydney Morning Herald, October 2014]

He was Australian Top 10 Digital Entrepreneur,{{Cite web |last=SmartCompany |date=2007-06-14 |title=Our top 10 digital entrepreneurs |url=https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/economy/our-top-10-digital-entrepreneurs/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=SmartCompany |language=en-AU}} one of Australia's 10 most influential people in Tech,{{Cite web |last=Howarth |first=Brad |date=2015-09-28 |title=Australia's 10 most influential people in tech |url=https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/emerging-technology/australia-s-10-most-influential-people-in-tech/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=SmartCompany |language=en-AU}} an inaugural STEM Champion of Change,{{Cite web |title=Champions of Change STEM |url=https://championsofchangecoalition.org/groups/champions-of-change-stem/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Champions Of Change Coalition |language=en-US}} & co-founded the following startups & VC Funds:

Light Solutions (CEO) invented semiconductor green laser curing blindness in diabetics, merger with Iris Medical created Iridex IPO’d on Nasdaq.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Dow |date=1996-02-17 |title=Iridex's Initial Offering |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/17/business/iridex-s-initial-offering.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Iriderm invented laser to treat Telangiectasia, was acquired by Nasdaq:CUTR{{Cite press release |last=Corporation |first=IRIDEX |title=Cutera and IRIDEX Announce Acquisition of IRIDEX' Aesthetic Business Unit |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cutera-and-iridex-announce-acquisition-of-iridex-aesthetic-business-unit-136580628.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}

AOC (Chair) created Optoelectronics for Cable TV, now public company in China{{Cite web |title= AOC Technologies Inc - Company Profile and News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/3780312Z:US |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}

Translucent (CEO, Chair) invented Silicon laser, acquired by ASX:SLX, share price rose 10x post acquisition.{{Cite web |last=Matters |first=Energy |date=2009-05-27 |title=Silex To Acquire Australian BP Solar Panel Plant |url=https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/em458/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Energy Matters |language=en-AU}}

Lightbit (CEO) invented optical chip enabling Telecom across USA in a single span, acquired by Corelux.{{Cite web |date=2003-03-11 |title=Lightbit Announces Pure-Optical Processor Chip |url=https://www.laserfocusworld.com/fiber-optics/article/16560359/lightbit-announces-pure-optical-processor-chip |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Laser Focus World |language=en}}

Arasor (MD, co-Chair) enabled wireless HD streaming video, IPO’d by Marshall{{Cite web |date=2007-03-14 |title=Arasor to hire more local talent |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/arasor-to-hire-more-local-talent-20070314-jes7x |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}

Venture Capital firms Main Sequence,{{Cite web |last=Riley |first=James |date=2017-11-03 |title=Larry Marshall's Main Sequence |url=https://www.innovationaus.com/larry-marshalls-main-sequence/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=InnovationAus.com |language=en-AU}} Blackbird,{{Cite web |date=2023-10-22 |title=Good luck, rich parents and Canva: how Blackbird made millionaires |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/good-luck-rich-parents-and-canva-how-blackbird-made-millionaires-20230921-p5e6n5 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}} The Renewable Energy Fund, Southern Cross Venture Partners.{{Cite web |last=Moses |first=Asher |date=2012-06-04 |title=300: the small Aussie force willing to risk all |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/300-the-small-aussie-force-willing-to-risk-all-20120604-1zqxi.html |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}

He is a Federation Fellow,{{Cite web |title=Macquarie University Staff News |url=https://www.mq.edu.au/staffnews/archive/05/stafnews14.html |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.mq.edu.au}} a Fellow of AICD,{{Cite web |title=Dr Larry Marshall - AICD |url=https://www.aicd.com.au/about-aicd/authors-speakers/h-m/larry-marshall.html |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=www.aicd.com.au |language=en-US}} AIP,{{Cite web |title=The Australian Institute of Physics - Public Fellows List |url=https://aip.org.au/PUBLIC-FELLOWS-LIST |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=aip.org.au}} and FTSE.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyNPTDRu9Y8 |title=ATSE 2016 New Fellow: Dr Larry Marshall FTSE |date=2016-12-13 |last=ATSE |access-date=2024-06-19 |via=YouTube}}

He is a published author, a book "Invention to Innovation"{{cite book | url=https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8077/| title=Invention to Innovation}} and sits on the boards of ASX:FMG,{{cite web | url=https://www.afr.com/companies/mining/fortescue-board-bolstered-by-ex-csiro-boss-larry-marshall-20230827-p5dzp5| title=Fortescue board bolstered by ex-CSIRO boss Larry Marshall| date=26 August 2023}} ASX:NAN,{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors {{!}} Nanosonics |url=https://www.nanosonics.com/about-us/board-of-directors/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.nanosonics.com}} ANU,{{Cite web |date=2023-07-24 |title=Dr Larry Marshall {{!}} Australian National University |url=https://www.anu.edu.au/about/governance/committees/dr-larry-marshall |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.anu.edu.au |language=en}} Great Barrier Reef Foundation.{{Cite web |title=Dr Larry Marshall |url=https://www.barrierreef.org/what-we-do/about-us/our-people/dr-larry-marshall |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Great Barrier Reef Foundation |language=en}}

Marshall’s vision was for CSIRO to become an innovation catalyst to solve "Australia's Innovation Dilemma".

He created $10B more value that any prior CEO, and took CSIRO 80% of the way to Net Zero.{{Cite web |title=Making net zero a reality |url=https://www.ceda.com.au/newsandresources/opinion/energy/making-net-zero-a-reality |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=CEDA}}

He narrowed CSIRO’s focus to solving Australia’s 6 National Challenges: Health, Environment, Food, Energy, Future Industry, & National Security.{{Cite web |last=CSIRO |title=Long serving CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall to conclude third and final term June 2023 |url=https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2022/November/CSIRO-Chief-Executive-Dr-Larry-Marshall-to-Conclude-Third-and-Final-Term |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.csiro.au |language=en}} He created a National Missions program to solve these challenges.{{Cite web |last=Wolff |first=Helen |date=2023-07-12 |title=Dr. Larry R. Marshall |url=https://csiropedia.csiro.au/larry-marshall/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=CSIROpedia |language=en-AU}}

He led CSIRO’s first acquisition, NICTA & created Australia’s largest AI group Data61;{{Cite web |last=CSIRO |title=CSIRO's Data61 delivers for Australia in its first year of operations |url=https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2017/June/CSIROs-Data61-delivers-for-Australia-in-its-first-year-of-operations |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.csiro.au |language=en}} created the ON Program, a National science accelerator that outperformed the famous US iCorps accelerator;{{Cite web |last=Riley |first=James |date=2017-11-03 |title=Larry Marshall's Main Sequence |url=https://www.innovationaus.com/larry-marshalls-main-sequence/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=InnovationAus.com |language=en-AU}} and raised the first VC Fund in Government, Main Sequence, now a $1B fund supporting scientist CEOs.

Marshall was subject to intense political criticism throughout his leadership of CSIRO:

When he was announced as CEO, he was asked about his inspiration for innovation, and cited the lengths farmers go to for water, including dowsing : "When I see that as a scientist, it makes me question, 'is there instrumentality that we could create that would enable a machine to find that water?"

Australian Skeptics awarded him Bent Spoon award for "the most preposterous piece of paranormal or pseudoscientific piffle".{{Cite web |date=2014-10-19 |title=CSIRO head keen to expand water research |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-20/nrn-csiro-ceo-water-divining-dowsing/5822472 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}{{Cite web |title=Bent spoon for CSIRO head |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/2014/12/04/bent-spoon-to-csiro-head// |accessdate=2016-02-06 |website=Australian Skeptics Inc}}

In 2016, CSIRO deployed a water detection device as described by Marshall, and mapped underground aquifers, but the Australian Skeptics refused to withdraw their award.{{Cite web |date=2016-07-09 |title=CSIRO chief retains award for dodgy science |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/scienceshow/csiro-chief-retains-award-for-dodgy-science/7581260 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=ABC listen |language=en-AU}}

His narrowing of CSIRO’s focus required a 350 person reduction, including 60 climate scientists which drew intense criticism from scientists & the Australian Labor Party, & Greens,{{Cite web |title=CSIRO climate science cuts a test for Turnbull: Greens |url=http://greens.org.au/news/vic/csiro-climate-science-cuts-test-turnbull-greens |access-date=2016-03-25 |website=Australian Greens}} including:[https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/world/australia/cape-grim-climate-change-research.html Scientists Protest Cuts and Commercialization at Australian Climate Center], By Michelle Innis, New York Times, Feb. 27, 2016[https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/resources/2016/02/20/backlash-against-csiros-cowboy-chief-larry-marshall/14558868002914 Backlash against CSIRO's 'cowboy' chief Larry Marshall; As Larry Marshall signals cuts to various programs, CSIRO staff say he is either out of his depth or has questionable motives – or both.] By Martin McKenzie-Murray, The Saturday Paper, Feb 20, 2016

              3,000 signature petition from scientists across 60 countries[https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/09/csiro-chief-defends-climate-research-cuts-as-staff-weigh-up-industrial-action CSIRO chief defends climate research cuts as staff weigh up industrial action; Larry Marshall says there will be no net loss of staff over two years as international climate scientists condemn the cuts], by Michael Slezak, Guardian, 8 February 2016

              7 senate hearings{{Citation |last=Senator Lisa Singh |title=CSIRO Cuts – Adjournment Speech |date=2016-02-23 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jom-dBObpMY&feature=em-share_video_user |accessdate=2016-03-24}}{{Cite web |title= |url=http://greens.org.au/news/vic/csiro-ceo%25E2%2580%2599s-climate-science-cuts-cast-doubt-its-future |access-date=2016-03-25 |website=Australian Greens}}

              Editorial in New York Times titled “Australia turns its back on climate science”{{Cite news |last=The Editorial Board |date=2016-03-04 |title=Australia Turns Its Back on Climate Science |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/04/opinion/australia-turns-its-back-on-climate-science.html |access-date=2016-03-24 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=2016-03-04 |title='Deplorable misunderstanding': New York Times criticises CSIRO cuts |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-04/australia-turning-its-back-on-climate-science-nyt-editorial/7222830 |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU}}

              50+ articles by Peter Hannam criticizing the changes[https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/maybe-im-naive-csiros-larry-marshall-tries-again-to-explain-deep-staff-cuts-20160210-gmr03b.html 'Maybe I'm naive': CSIRO's Larry Marshall tries again to explain deep staff cuts], Peter Hannam, The Sydney Morning Herald, February 11, 2016

              2016 election promise by Labor to reverse Marshall’s changes{{Cite news |last=Hutchens |first=Gareth |date=2016-06-12 |title=Labor promises CSIRO $250m to reverse Coalition's funding cuts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/12/labor-promises-csiro-250m-to-reverse-coalitions-funding-cuts |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

              Intense Public criticism of Marshall by famous scientists John Church,{{Cite web |date=2016-02-04 |title='Climate will be all gone' as CSIRO swings jobs axe, scientists say |url=https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/climate-will-be-all-gone-as-csiro-swings-jobs-axe-scientists-say-20160203-gml7jy |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}} Tony Haymet,{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Roger |date=4 February 2016 |title=CSIRO cuts to climate science are against the public good |url=https://theconversation.com/csiro-cuts-to-climate-science-are-against-the-public-good-54175 |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=The Conversation}} Andy Pitman,{{Cite web |last=Pitman |first=Andy |date=5 February 2016 |title=CSIRO boss's failed logic over climate science could waste billions in taxes |url=https://theconversation.com/csiro-bosss-failed-logic-over-climate-science-could-waste-billions-in-taxes-54249 |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=The Conversation}} and Senators Kim Carr, Janet Rice, Whish-Wilson said his position was "untenable", "his strategy failed", and he was "going down in flames".{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Clive |date=4 February 2016 |title=CSIRO is poised to slash climate research jobs – experts react |url=https://theconversation.com/csiro-is-poised-to-slash-climate-research-jobs-experts-react-54170 |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=The Conversation}}{{Cite web |date=2016-02-05 |title=CSIRO cuts: Without climate modelling, we won't be able to adapt |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-05/quinn-csiro-cuts-why-we-need-climate-modelling/7143584 |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=CSIRO |title=Correcting the Public Record on Changes at CSIRO |url=http://www.csiro.au/en/News/News-releases/2016/Public-statement-Correcting-the-Public-Record-on-Changes-at-CSIRO?featured=27F6622E2C954B819F5E36ECE881FA68 |access-date=2016-03-24 |website=www.csiro.au |language=en-AU}}

It was later shown that Marshall did not cut funding to climate science, but government cut $20M of funding before Marshall arrived.{{Cite web |date=2016-06-06 |title=A hidden agenda? Larry Marshall and the CSIRO's climate scientists |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/backgroundbriefing/a-hidden-agenda-larry-marshall-and-the-csiro-climate-scientists/7480370 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=ABC listen |language=en-AU}} Despite the initial redundancies, Marshall grew CSIRO by 1,000 people, its first growth in 30y.{{Cite web |last=Riley |first=James |date=2023-06-16 |title=The exit interview: Larry Marshall has no regrets |url=https://www.innovationaus.com/the-exit-interview-larry-marshall-has-no-regrets/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=InnovationAus.com |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-19 |title=Why Larry Marshall turned down a job extension at CSIRO |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/why-larry-marshall-turned-down-a-job-extension-at-csiro-20230613-p5dgaj |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}

In the midst of climate criticism, media reported he was being sued by angry shareholders in Arasor, which he had left 10y earlier.{{Cite web |last=Shanahan |first=Leo |date=14 July 2015 |title=CSIRO head Larry Marshal sued over technology firm collapse |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/csiro-head-larry-marshal-sued-over-technology-firm-collapse/news-story/c3dd0c265d69dd8cb776950c53eba877 |access-date=23 March 2016 |website=The Australian |publisher=News Ltd}}

Marshall took Arasor public in 2006, and exceeded revenue expectations in 2006 and 2007,{{Cite web |date=2007-02-24 |title=Seize the moment |url=https://www.afr.com/wealth/seize-the-moment-20070224-j71ai |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2006-10-25 |title=Arasor makes strong debut on ASX |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/arasor-makes-strong-debut-on-asx-20061026-gdooij.html |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2007-03-14 |title=Arasor to hire more local talent |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/arasor-to-hire-more-local-talent-20070314-jes7x |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}} He left in 2007 and 5 years later in 2011 all the Directors were named in a speculative lawsuit launched by a litigation fund International Litigation Partners.{{cite web |title=Class Actions in Australia: 2015 in Review {{!}} Martindale.com |url=http://www.martindale.com/class-actions-law/article_Jones-Day_2226796.htm}}{{Cite web |last=A |first=Moogy |title=Collapsed IT company attracts strong interest from potential buyers |url=http://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/emerging-technology/20082-20110523-collapsed-it-company-attracts-strong-interest-from-potential-buyers/ |access-date=2016-03-23 |website=SmartCompany |language=en-AU}} In a failed claim it had been alleged that Arasor's Directors produced misleading prospectuses.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Renee |date=2015-07-13 |title=CSIRO chief taken to court by shareholders of collapsed ASX listed business |url=http://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/legal/47636-csiro-chief-taken-to-court-by-shareholders-of-collapsed-asx-listed-business/ |access-date=2016-03-23 |website=SmartCompany |language=en-AU}}

The case gained notoriety when it failed to show misstatements and was rejected,{{Cite web |last=Boggs |first=Squire Patton |date=2015-12-02 |title=Australian Full Federal Court Recognises Market-Based Causation |url=https://www.restructuring-globalview.com/2015/12/australian-full-federal-court-recognises-market-based-causation/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Restructuring GlobalView |language=en-US}} but then plead market based causation{{Citation |title=Causation (law) |date=2023-08-05 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Causation_(law)&oldid=1168871202 |access-date=2024-04-03 |language=en}} which does not require either damages or specific misstatements.{{Cite web |title=Elliott, Jacob --- "Goodbye Caveat Emptor: Market-Based Causation In Australian Shareholder Class Actions" [2023] UNSWLawJlStuS 4; (2023) UNSWLJ Student Series No 23-4 |url=https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/UNSWLawJlStuS/2023/4.html |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=classic.austlii.edu.au}} The case was closed in 2018 with no actions against any director,{{Citation |title=Caason Investments Pty Limited v Cao (No 2) |date=2018-04-16 |issue=527 |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2018/527.html?context=1;query=caason;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA |access-date=2024-04-03}} but one of the plaintiffs was subsequently sued over "inflated claims".{{Cite web |last=Caulfield |first=Christine |date=2023-05-16 |title='Silly case' between class action applicant, funder settles |url=https://www.lawyerly.com.au/silly-case-between-class-action-applicant-funder-settles/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Lawyerly |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bolza |first=Miklos |date=2020-08-28 |title='Completely unsatisfactory': Arasor class action applicant hit with costs for 'overstated' claims |url=https://www.lawyerly.com.au/completely-unsatisfactory-arasor-class-action-applicant-hit-with-costs-for-overstated-claims/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Lawyerly |language=en-US}} International Litigation Partners was itself sued by the Australian Tax Office for tax evasion,{{Cite web |date=2014-08-07 |title=ATO sues International Litigation Partners for $7.4m tax |url=http://www.afr.com/business/legal/ato-sues-international-litigation-partners-for-74m-tax-20140807-j75ij}} and its founder Paul Lindholm charged with resisting arrest.{{Cite web |date=2011-04-04 |title=Banker in DUI scuffle with police |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/sydney-banker-in-dui-scuffle-with-police/story-e6frfkvr-1226033703398}}

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Category:Living people

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