Professor Amanda Barnard currently leads research at the interface of computational modelling, high performance supercomputing, and applied machine learning and artificial intelligence at the Australian National University.

With more than 20 years of HPC experience, she is a member of the Board of Directors for New Zealand eScience Infrastructure, the College of Assessors for the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment of New Zealand, the Expert Panel for the CRP scheme of the National Research Foundation of Singapore, and the Chair of the Australasian Leadership Computing Grants scheme.

Her transdisciplinary research has been awarded in five scientific disciplines, including the 2014 ACS Nano Lectureship (Asia/Pacific) from the ACS, the 2014 Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology (Theory) from the Foresight Institute, and the 2019 AMMA Medal from the Association of Molecular Modellers of Australasia.

In 2022 Prof. Barnard was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to computational science and medical research.

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Melinda Fitzgerald is the Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research at Curtin University and CEO of Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia.

Lindy is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies, frameworks, and activities to achieve the University’s strategic goals in research and IP commercialisation, including Curtin’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer funded by the federal government.

Professor Fitzgerald also leads a team of researchers and post-graduate students in nationally coordinated research focused around understanding and preventing the loss of function that occurs following neurotrauma.

Mark is the Chief of Research Technology & Operations of the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) at the Department of Defence. Mark joined Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in 2022, bringing with him a deep understanding of research and innovation, including 20 years’ experience in the public service and a passion for leading the integral science and technology support services required by researchers.

Most recently, Mark held the Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff positions at CSIRO. As a part of the CSIRO Leadership team, Mark led the strategy, planning, performance and evaluation, investment and portfolio management functions.

Mark has also served on several reviews and committees specific to science, research and innovation, including Science and Technology Australia (STA) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Expert Advisory Committee for the review of Excellence in Research for Australia and the Engagement and Impact Assessment.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters of Business Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Mark is a research executive with more than 20 years’ experience working at a senior level in innovative research and business development roles in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Through national and international programs and joint-ventures, Mark had successfully led initiatives to accelerate the impact of research, development and education programs for Australia’s key energy, mining and agricultural sectors.

He is a former Chief Executive of an LNG research and development alliance of CSIRO, Curtin University and UWA, partnering with Chevron, Woodside and Shell. Prior to his appointment at Pawsey Mark led the innovation and industry engagement portfolio at The University of Western Australia. In addition, Mark is the current Chair of the Board of All Saints’ College and was appointed an adjunct Senior Fellow of the Perth USAsia Centre (an international policy think tank) in 2017.

Professor Simon Ellingsen is the Executive Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). ICRAR is a joint venture between Curtin University, the University of Western Australia which receives funding from the Western Australian State Government). Prior to that he was the Dean of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania. Simon’s research has focused on the study of how the largest stars form, the structure of the Milky Way and recently, how astronomical infrastructure can be utilised to support the Australian space industry, particular space domain awareness and spacecraft communications.
The two core objectives for ICRAR are to undertake world class astrophysics research and to translate and implement those research findings for the benefit of the community. Simon is an astrophysicist who received his PhD from the University of Tasmania in 1996 and has been in senior academic leadership roles for the last five years. He has a particular interest in both the cultural and practical aspects of how to most effectively improve the translation of fundamental research knowledge and techniques into broader applications.

Rebecca is a digital and technology leader with a career spanning more than 25 years. Her passion lies in collaborating with people and leveraging the potential of digital technologies and data to drive positive outcomes.
Beginning her career as a software engineer in the late 1990s, Rebecca has had the opportunity to work across various industries, including telecommunications, higher education, and government. Throughout her journey, she has played integral roles in transformative projects, influencing organisational digital strategies, and shaping new ways of working.
In her current role as the Chief Digital Officer at CSIRO, Rebecca provides strategic leadership in the digital and data domain, with a focus on leveraging digital technology and capability towards the organisation’s goals, solving Australia’s greatest challenges. Rebecca holds an MBA and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Tim Shanahan joined Pawsey’s board with more than 20 years’ experience in leading and driving performance across a wide range of industries, including ICT, research, infrastructure, energy, minerals, and financial services.
Mr Shanahan currently serves on the boards of RAC WA, the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre, Zetta Group and FORM.