The ARC provides advice to the Government on research matters and manages the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP). The seven-person ARC Advisory Council was established in January last year to advise the ARC's chief executive officer on strategic planning and policy issues, as well as matters concerning the evaluation of the quality and outcomes of research training in an international context.

At Clayton Utz, Baker specialises in the healthcare, aged care, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnology sectors. She has also sat on a number of boards, including the Salvation Army Aged Care Advisory Board and the board of the BioMelbourne Network.

Her previous career experience includes acting as a ministerial adviser to a state health minister.

Announcing her appointment, the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said Baker's experience in life sciences and commercial law would make her a strong addition to the council.

She replaces Dr Elizabeth Jazwinska who has been appointed the ARC executive director of biological sciences and biotechnology.