2024 Election l Ballot closes 11.59 PM AEST 4 September 2024

Hannah Allan, Director Research Services and Systems, Curtin University

The Australasian research management community is an amazing and diverse body full of talented, dedicated and passionate individuals. We play a critical role in ensuring that the excellent research conducted across our region is managed effectively and with integrity. While our profession can be incredibly rewarding, we continue to operate in a sector which is experiencing significant change, often in institutions facing ongoing financial challenges. ARMS plays an important role in enabling the ongoing excellence in our profession, and I hope to continue to guide ARMS in this important mission as President-Elect.

I live and work on Whadjuk Noongar Country where I am the Director of Research Services and Systems in the Research Office at Curtin University (ROC). In this role, I am proud to lead many of the excellent staff working in Curtin’s Research Office (our “ROCStars’). Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, my portfolio includes responsibility for Research Projects (pre and post award), Contracts, Ethics, Research Integrity, Research Data and Systems, and the operations of Curtin’s Life Sciences Research Facility.

In my role at Curtin, I work closely with Curtin’s global campuses in Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. This has provided me with a good understanding of the issues facing ARMS members outside of Australia. I also enjoy working closely with members from Medical Research Institutes and State Health Services, and will - of course – bring a Western Australian perspective to any discussion.

I am passionate about enhancing the profession of research administration (we are all ‘ROCStars!’), and currently contribute to the ARMS community as Co-Convenor of the Directors of Research Special Interest Group and as an ARMS Training Fellow.

I have a good understanding of Board governance, as a current member of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) Finance and Audit Committee and as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I am an experienced leader of people and an alumna of the Leadership WA Signature Leadership Program and am also in my final year of my Master of Business Administration (MBA) studies.

I look forward to serving all ARMS members and to guiding the ongoing development and representation of our important profession as ARMS President-Elect.

Floris van der Leest, Manager Research Performance Information, University of the Sunshine Coast

Floris van der Leest brings over 24 years of experience in Research Information Management, with significant contributions to institutions such as James Cook University, Victoria University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the University of the Sunshine Coast. His career reflects a strong commitment to advancing research services and ensuring public accountability.

Floris has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership. As convener of the Queensland chapter committee, he revitalized the chapter through innovative professional development workshops. His initiative to tackle low event attendance in Victoria by organizing a high-profile workshop led to increased engagement and set a new standard for future events. Recently, he organized the inaugural and subsequent editions of the Virtual International Convention of Research Administrators, showcasing his capacity to lead and inspire on an international stage.

In 2023, Floris was honoured with the SRAI’s Distinguished Faculty Award and the INORMS Award for Excellence in Research Management Leadership. Earlier this year, he was reinstated as an ARMS Training Fellow.

Renowned for his communication skills, Floris has presented annually at major international conferences, including ARMS, INORMS, and SRAI. He is dedicated to contributing fresh perspectives and driving innovations in research management, as well as mentoring the next generation of research administrators. His experience in managing teams and driving organizational change, combined with his expertise in compliance and risk management, ensures adherence to standards and effective risk mitigation.

Dr George Carayannopoulos, Head, Research and Development, University of Sydney

Dr George Carayannopoulos is the Head of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. He holds a PhD in Public Policy which examined whole of government responses to major crisis and disaster events and has published extensively through both books and journals.  He has appeared as an expert commentator for national and international mediums such as the BBC. He has engaged with end user research organisations to design and implement solutions to effectively manage crises and has facilitated workshops for participants at all levels of government.

George has worked in the Research and Development and Higher Degree Research fields over the past 15 years at both Central University Portfolio and Faculty levels. He has successfully overseen the development of new teams in roles at the University which have seen improvements in researcher and HDR experience and led to excellent outcomes. His remit has covered a wide range of areas including research education development, HDR administration, researcher lifecycle development, research finance, research support, networks and centre management. Throughout this experience he has shown a passion for ensuring that professional development and mentoring occur within the research management field and are accessible to all.

George has previously been a member of the NSW Chapter Committee and a training fellow of ARMS. He has regularly presented at conferences such as Quality in Postgraduate Research and the ARMS annual conference as these serve as invaluable forums to bring colleagues together to share best practice and learn from each other. 

Representing the research management community through serving on the ARMS Board would be an honour and a wonderful opportunity to engage across the sector both nationally and with the international partners that ARMS has.

Serena Gent, Senior Research Development Coordinator, Griffith University

Serena is a dedicated and accomplished Research Manager with over a decade of experience (nearly 2!!) in the field of research management. With a robust background in business research and project management, Serena has a proven track record of leading successful research initiatives and fostering innovation within her team.

In her current role as Senior Research Development Coordinator at Griffith University, Serena oversees a diverse portfolio of research projects. She is responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

Having been involved in research management since 2005, Serena has a deep understanding of the profession. She is a strong advocate for the Society, as she a member of the QLD/NT/PNG ARMS Chapter committee and also the CMEC (Conference and Major Events committee) and an accredited ARMS Research Manager.

Amber Jennings, Senior Manager Strategy, Planning and Operations, Monash University

I am a proud advocate for the contribution that professional staff can make to excellent and impactful research when empowered and supported to develop the necessary skills. As Senior Manager Strategy, Planning and Operations for the Research Portfolio at Monash University I champion our profession and lead the development of the Research Professionals at Monash (RPM) program. Which delivers broad and bespoke offerings for research management and administrative staff at Monash University.

I am passionate about equipping research professionals with the information and skills to thrive in the ever evolving research landscape. At Monash RPM plays a key role in this, since its establishment in 2022 I have led a human centred design approach to the development of the program. We collect feedback from our community via interviews, workshops and surveys and pair this with analysis of the international research landscape and internal strategies to ensure that we are delivering quality content that meets the learning needs of our community. At a large institution like Monash it is imperative to provide broad and bespoke offerings and we do so via plenaries, targeted communities of practice, research professional specific mentoring and financial support for small group or individualised professional development.

I take part in a range of Australiasian Research Management Society (ARMS) activities and encourage colleagues within my direct team, the wider RPM network at Monash and my network across Australasia to be as involved with ARMS as possible. In 2023 I was not only the recipient of an ARMS Travel Award to present at the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) Congress but I also supported eight colleagues from my office to attend the ARMS conference with five of us presenting. We have also developed initiatives via RPM to support attendance to the ARMS conference and involvement in other offerings.

As a senior member of the team in the Monash University DVCR Office for the last five years I have participated in a number of strategic working groups and committees to represent the interests of our professional and academic research community and provide expert advice. I have a strong understanding of the value of research management in achieving research excellence and impact. If I was to be appointed as a Board Member for the Australiasian Research Management Society I would be excited to bring my skills, passion and advocacy to support research professionals across Australasia.

Tanya Karliychuk, Director of Operations, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)

As Director of Operations at Australia's leading non-government consumer representation body for communications consumers, Tanya manages ACCAN’s federally-funded Independent Grants Program, commissioned research program and consumer education program, driving strategic direction and values-based leadership. 

She has delivered community development programs in Indonesia and Timor-Leste and is passionate about diversity in research, particularly in the Asia Pacific region and among First Nations and culturally diverse communities. If elected to the Board, Tanya will leverage her governance and leadership experience to support ARMS' mission to ensure it can continue to grow and be representative of the vast range of research professionals in the region.  

In her role at ACCAN, Tanya prepares and reports on annual budgets, oversees financial operations for business areas, and collaborates with the CEO and Board on strategic planning. Tanya manages portfolios of external researchers and community partners, aligning outcomes with organisational goals and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies and advocacy groups. She also has a range of Board experience, including as current Chairperson for an independent school in NSW, and as Secretary for a community organisation working with youth and the CALD community. 

As a research manager in the not-for-profit sector, Tanya has benefited enormously from the opportunities ARMS provides to connect and learn from like-minded peers. She has been actively involved in the Society since joining in 2018 and is keen to strengthen both her own learnings and her contributions back in to the organisation.  

Tanya is co-convenor of the ARMS Research Funders SIG and former co-convenor of the NSW Chapter Committee. She holds a Master of International Affairs from ANU and a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) from Macquarie University. Tanya is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). 

Dr Alexander Lugg, Manager Awards Management, RMIT University

Dr Alexander Lugg has been a research manager since 2013. Currently Manager of RMIT University’s Awards Management team, which coordinates RMIT’s research funding postaward administration, he has held research management roles at Monash University and La Trobe University. Before he began his research management career, he was a sessional academic at Monash. 

Alexander has significant experience with the research funding life cycle. He has collaborated with researchers from the generation of ideas and development of funding proposals through to the management and close-out of projects ranging from less than $10,000 to $5,000,000. Throughout his career he has actively contributed to policy development initiatives- both relevant to his own institutions and to the broader sector- drawing on his knowledge of the Australian research funding landscape. These include, for example, significant contributions to RMIT University’s research authorship policies and procedures (2022-23) and collaborative work on La Trobe University’s costing models and tools (2017-18) 

Complementing his professional experience, Alexander has governance experience through his contributions to his home’s Owners’ Corporation (OC) committee of management (2021-22) and as an Office Bearer of the Melbourne City Branch of the Australian Greens Victoria (2012-present). In the latter capacity he has also served as Treasurer for state and federal election campaign committees. 

Tara McLaren, Research Manager, Australian Institute of Marine Science

I am an active, enthusiastic, and engaged member of the Research Administration community and would love to represent this community on the ARMS Board.

Over the past ten years I have been actively engaged in the Society, contributing to both State and National initiatives including Co-convenor of the ARMS Research Development SIG (2014-2015), Member and co-chair of the WA Chapter Committee (2016-2020), 2019 Membership Services Committee – WA representative (2018-2020) 2019 ARMS Conference - Perth Organising Committee member (2018-2019), ARMS Training Fellow (2017-present). In 2021 I received the SRAI Outstanding Achievement in Research Administration – “Rising Star” Award, recognising my contributions to the Research Management profession. I am an ARMS Training Fellow and led the development of the ARMS Project Management module.

These contributions reflect my commitment to supporting the Society as it strives to fulfill its vision and mission.

I have worked in the higher education and research sector for more than 16 years.  I have held positions at all levels of The University of Western Australia from Centre to Institute, School, Faculty and Central across several functions including student recruitment, marketing, Institute business manager, research development and research impact & engagement, providing me with a deep understanding of the operating environment. I worked at a medical research institute for five years as Head of Research Development & Commercialisation, followed by almost two years working for a consulting group servicing the health and medical research sector which exposed me to a wide variety of organisations including government, university, private, and start-ups. I am currently Research Manager at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

I have extensive experience in contributing to, and chairing, committees and working groups including Boards, Research Committees, and consultative committees. I have served as a voluntary Board Member to the Health Services Family Association in Western Australia where I led this organisation through a period of change. I was previously co-chair of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institute (AAMRI) Strategy Network Steering Committee.

I would be thrilled to contribute my experience and passion to the Australian research management community through a role on the ARMS Board.

Dr Erin Semon, Director Research Grants and Awards, Macquarie University

Dr. Erin Semon: A Leader in Research Management and Mentorship

Dr. Erin Semon is a distinguished research management professional with 13 years of experience and a fervent advocate for the profession. Her dedication to advancing research management is evident through her long-standing involvement with the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS). Dr. Semon has been a relentless champion of best practices, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the research management community.

As the Director of the Research Grants and Awards team within Research Services at Macquarie University, Dr. Semon leads what she proudly calls “the best team on campus.” Her passion for leadership and mentoring is a cornerstone of her career, inspiring her team and peers alike.

Dr. Semon’s journey into research administration is a story of serendipity and determination. Initially aspiring to conduct post-PhD research that would change the world, she quickly realized that such groundbreaking work requires a global village of passionate individuals. This revelation led her to find her niche in research administration, a field she has embraced wholeheartedly and never looked back from.

Her role in ARMS extends beyond committee work; Dr. Semon sees herself as an ambassador for the profession. She actively promotes research administration through presentations and engagement with like-minded peers, emphasizing its world-changing potential.

In addition to her organisational responsibilities, Dr. Semon’s advocacy work reflects her unwavering dedication to ARMS’ mission. She embodies the values of integrity, ethics, and excellence that underpin research management. Dr. Semon’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive profession makes her an ideal candidate for the ARMS Board.

Dr Louise Dwyer, Operations Director, Graduate Research, Macquarie University

I have more than a decade of experience in leadership in research and research training management in the Australian sector, at the University of Western Australia and Macquarie University (Sydney). My academic background is in bioinorganic chemistry, and I held a joint postdoctoral position between the University of Western Australia and Griffith University before finding my calling in research management. I have 8 years’ experience as Director of Operations, Graduate Research, at Macquarie University, where I am responsible for strategic and operational oversight of the end-to-end research student lifecycle, incorporating digital transformation, internal and external policy compliance, the development and implementation of MQ’s flagship Global and Industry Engaged PhD strategies and extensive research scholarship program.

I have board membership experience in two years as an elected member of the Macquarie University Council, and comprehensive committee secretariat experience, giving me a deep understanding of the legal and administrative responsibilities of a Board member. I have been an accredited research manager with ARMS for 10 years, a member of the ARMS NSW Chapter Committee for four years. Combined with my role in strategic and operational oversight of research training programs at Macquarie, I am well positioned to advise the Board on an extensive range of matters as they pertain to research management nationally and globally. I thoroughly enjoy being a member of ARMS and deepening my networks through the society and leveraging my networks and communication through engagement as a Training Fellow in the ARMS Foundation Level program. I am deeply committed to the profession of research management, and I believe my contribution to the ARMS Board will be an asset to the society.

Anthea Hall, Research Funding Officer (Post-Award), The University of Adelaide

I am a highly motivated and strategic professional with over eight years’ experience in research administration and a First Class Honours in Health and Medical Science from the University of Adelaide. I have high level skills in contract management and negotiation, research compliance and ethics and academic editing for grants. With over three years’ experience specifically as the secretariat of human research ethics committees (HRECs), I believe I have much to contribute to the ARMS Board as the Secretary.

My time in clinical research has made me a passionate advocate for streamlining research management and bridging the gap between academics and professional staff. In my career, I have worked directly with researchers as an administrative assistant, as well as in human research ethics as the facilitator of HRECs and in research grants and contracts, in both the pre-award and post-award space. This, coupled with my background in medical science, has given me an understanding of the lifecycle of a project, and the multiple compliance requirements that are involved in successful research. I am in the unique position to be able to advise on a wide range of matters as the Secretary of the Board and come with polished skills in the organisation and minuting of meetings.

Kate Swanson, Senior Manager HDR Development, The university of Queensland

Kate Swanson is a member of UQ’s Graduate School Leadership Team. Her role provides leadership around the development and delivery of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidate development. As well as many years of working in research management, Kate brings recent experience of working as a board secretary for ARMS and as a member of the ARMS Governance, Audit and Finance Committee. 

Kate is a strong advocate for Higher Degree by Researcher (HDR) development and the links to industry that it can provide both for research outcomes, and candidate growth. Her passion centres around research management, specifically building an awareness of the role HDR candidates play in industry engaged research and understanding the new complexities that can bring in terms of navigating sanctions, industry contracts, and added regulatory frameworks. Kate’s approach focuses on navigating new legislation and policy to facilitate research partnerships and collaborations. 

Kate was instrumental in UQ’s shift to engage strongly with research-end-users in the HDR space by implementing one of the first non-cognate HDR placement programs in Australia. She was also a recipient of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training award for Programs that Enhance Learning as part of the Australian Awards for University Teaching (2016) for her work leading the team that manages the internationally recognised Three Minute Thesis competition, a science communication program for HDR candidates. Kate has presented on HDR development at numerous conferences and seminars and played a key role in reinvigorating the Australian Research Training Network for those working across Australasia in the HDR research management space.   

Kate Swanson actively supports research through training programs, facilitating industry contracts and philanthropic donations to support research, HDR industry placements, and operations and management of multiple teams that support researchers across The University of Queensland. Her experience in research management spans ethics, contract management, grant applications, and broad involvement in HDR administration and development. This, combined with her 19 years’ experience in operational management, and strategy development roles means she is well placed to translate her knowledge to the role of Secretary and provide insightful and strategic support to the Australian Research Management Society. 

Erica Walls-Nichols, Executive Officer Research & Enterprise, University of Canberra

I was appointed to my first HDR management role at ANU in 2010, which I must admit at the time was daunting and confusing. It was my first experience of research management, and it opened a whole new world to me. Since then, I have been passionate about continuous improvement in research training and research management and have always been the first to volunteer to be part of working groups, SIGs, advisory groups, that aim to improve the experience of researchers (including students) and the teams that support them.   

I moved institutions in 2014 so that I could remain involved in HDR management, as an HDR policy and partnerships specialist and then as HDR policy and program manager, in which I had oversight of HDR policy and researcher skills development programs. I have since continued to seek positions that develop my skills and understanding of research administration and management, working as a project manager for a CRC bid which grew my understanding of university-industry collaboration, commercialisation and impact, and as Executive Officer for the Research & Enterprise portfolio, which requires me to have a broad understanding of the environment in which universities operate, in particular the research funding landscape. Research management is an incredibly rewarding area in which to work, and an area that continues to develop and evolve. It is an area of work that I am extremely passionate about and incredibly grateful to work within. For this reason, I am ready and excited to be an ambassador for the Society.  

I have been consistently involved in university committees and working groups over my 18-year career in higher education, including being secretary for committees and groups. My extensive committee experience and formal qualifications have provided me the skills required to fulfil the role of Secretary to the ARMS Board, and I understand the significance of the Secretary appointment in ensuring the Board performs its role to the highest standard, supported through high-level communication and records management.  

I am prepared to commit an average of one day per month to the role and understand this is a voluntary position. I have the support of my line manager to do so, including their support to attend regular meetings as required (online and in-person), and participation in the Governance, Audit and Finance Committee.  
Thank you for consideration.