His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd) has had a distinguished military career over more than four decades retiring in 2014 after serving three years as Chief of Defence. In 2010 he became a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force. He had previously been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in Somalia. He became the 38th Governor of New South Wales with effect from October 2014 with a five year commission. In addition to his daunting program of Vice Regal activities His Excellency has a personal list of themes and priorities. Amongst this list are promoting NSW industry especially in terms of innovation and scientific research, STEM education and the advancement of his priorities through a 'futures' program with an annual Forum which he hosts at Government House. The first Forum held last year was on the 'Future of Work' for which the Royal Society of NSW plus the four Academies collaborated in providing the speakers. This year the topic is 'Society as a Complex System: Implications for Science, Practice and Policy'. Again the four Academies and the Royal Society will collaborate in providing the speakers.