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PANEL SESSIONS

Unlocking Innovation: Lessons from the Trailblazer Universities Experiment and the Road Ahead

10 September 2025

02:45PM - 03:45PM

Amy Hunter

Deakin University

Dr Sanjay Mazumdar

Defence Trailblazer

Rohan McDougall

Curtin University

Anthony Millgate

Australian Government

Department of Education

(Facilitator)

Professor Michael Khor

Nanyang Technological

University

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The Trailblazer Universities Program, a key part of Australia’s University Research Commercialisation Action Plan, has aimed to foster new capabilities, drive commercialisation, and enhance industry engagement. As the six Trailblazer programs near conclusion in 2026, this approach prompts critical reflections on the funding landscape in Australasia, especially amid an uncertain regional geopolitical future.

 

What have been the standout successes and challenges? How effective has the program been in encouraging research/industry collaboration? What strategies are in place to sustain the program's momentum beyond 2026? What
can we learn to better develop research commercialisation partnerships?

 

Our expert panel will explore these questions and speculate on potential successor programs or new initiatives to continue driving research commercialisation and industry collaboration in Australasia.

Innovating in the third space – boundary spanning roles supporting research innovation and impact

11 September 2025

Joann Cattlin

RMIT

Dr Davina Dadley-Moore

Monash Biomedicine

Discovery Institute

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Dr Wade Kelly

Researcher Development Academy

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01:10PM - 02:10PM

(Facilitator)

Dr Loretta Piccenna

Monash University

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The roles that support research are evolving to meet the changing priorities of universities. Research managers, academic developers, knowledge managers and many others draw on diverse professional and academic experience and skills in roles that work across multiple entities or organizational units and respond to often competing agendas. These roles often do not fit the binary designations of ‘academic’ and ‘professional’ and have been identified as ‘third space roles’ or ‘blended professionals’ who span the boundaries traditional roles (Whitchurch, 2009, 2015). However, staff in these roles often face challenges in finding their place in research organisations and building a career within universities. Yet in order for universities to meet the challenges of a more complex research landscape, they must take more innovative approaches to building capability.

 

This panel represents different experiences and perspective of working in the third space. Suggested topics to explore are:

• Who are third space professionals?

• How do these roles support research?

• How can universities realise the value of their contribution to support innovation?

 

This topic is from RMPs to RMPs and all have passion to deliver key and practical insights into RM for RMPs.

Navigating the Shifting Terrain: Research Management in an Evolving Funding Landscape

11 September 2025

02:15PM - 03:15PM

Danette Olsen

Ministry of Business, Innovation

and Employment (MBIE)

Claire Forsyth

Australian Research Council

(ARC)

(Facilitator)

Hannah Allan

Curtin University

Julie Glover

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

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The funding landscape is shifting across New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, presenting both challenges and opportunities for research management professionals as they navigate these changes. In seeking to align with current government agendas and navigating new funding models, alongside the rise of private-sector investment and international collaborations, the complexity of securing and managing research funding has never been greater. This panel brings together experts from across the region to share research funding landscapes, various research priorities, challenges in the ecosystem and how research management professionals can make a difference. Join us as we discuss strategies for navigating uncertainty, leveraging emerging opportunities, and ensuring the long-term success of research programs in a dynamic environment.

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