Universities excel at innovation and strive to deliver research with real-world impact. Industry has impact at its core and a growing need to innovate, yet often lacks the capacity to do so. Governments seek value for money in projects that drive Australia’s growth and prosperity. But where do these three forces intersect, and how can they collaborate more effectively to turn innovation into action?
This panel event brings together leaders from across research, industry and government to explore how stronger partnerships can close the innovation gap. Hear from experts as they share practical insights, challenges and opportunities from working across sectors.
Hosted by Professor Thas Nirmalathas, Dean of Engineering and Information Technology, the event will feature a moderated panel followed by an audience Q&A.
Event Speakers
Professor Thas Nirmalathas, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
Professor Thas (Ampalavanapillai) Nirmalathas is the Dean at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, and a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Professor Nirmalathas obtained his BEng and PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Melbourne in 1993 and 1998 respectively. He is passionate about Innovation and co-founded the Melbourne Accelerator Program. He has held many leadership positions in interdisciplinary research as well as leading collaborative research programs across national initiatives such as NICTA and Australian Photonics CRC.
Dr Marthe D’Ombrain, Executive Director & Head, Global Research Innovation, CSL
Dr Marthe D’Ombrain BSc (Hons), PhD, GCALL, GAICD has worked in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sector for over 20 years and has extensive leadership experience in both industry and academia. Marthe joined CSL in 2013 where she currently serves as the Executive Director and Head of Global Research Innovation, playing a key role in building and diversifying CSL’s global R&D portfolio. Marthe was elected to the Board of Directors for AusBiotech in 2022, serves as a Non-Executive Director for Jumar BioIncubator and is passionate about research collaboration and its potential for bringing new treatments to patients.
Professor Alastair J Sloan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Collaboration), The University of Melbourne
Alastair Sloan is Professor of Tissue Engineering and Dental Biology and the current PVC Research Collaboration. Prior to taking up his appointment as PVC, he was Head of School of Melbourne Dental School from January 2020 through to September 2024. A bioscientist and bioengineer, he obtained his BSc from the University of Wales, UK and his PhD from The University of Birmingham, UK. He began his tenured academic career at the University of Birmingham prior to joining School of Dentistry, Cardiff University in 2005 where he established the Mineralised Tissue Group. He was Head of the Department of Oral and Biomedical Sciences at the School of Dentistry and also served as Director of International and latterly Director of Research. Between 2015-2017 he was Director of the Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER) and in 2017 was appointed Dean of the School of Dentistry at Cardiff University, a post which he held until his relocation to The University of Melbourne. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. An active educator, Alastair has designed and led courses for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programmes and is the Chief Examiner for the Primary Basic Sciences examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). As a researcher he has been awarded in excess of AUD$11M of external grant funding, published over 100 peer reviewed papers and sits on numerous research funding panels in Australia and the EU. He was appointed as Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) in 2023 and is the current Vice-President of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Australia and New Zealand Division. In 2021 his research career was acknowledged with the award of an Ad Eundem Fellowship of the Faculty of Dentistry, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (FFDRCSI) and the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award, The Isaac Schour Memorial Award.
Mr Mark Sanders, Chief Architect, Telstra
Mark is a transformational leader working in the intersection of IT, Networks, Data and AI in telecommunications. He stands at the forefront of emerging technology for Telcos: Decoupled and composable architectures, Orchestration, APIs, AI, and Autonomous network services. Leading the innovation that will transform how Telco builds, activates, and lifecycle Services.
As the Chief Architect, Mark assumes responsibility for developing comprehensive architecture strategies, and technology patterns across the enterprise and cross-domains at Telstra. In collaboration with Telco and Standards Development Organizations, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry and influencing Telco Architecture.
Mark leads a team dedicated to providing enterprise-wide technology leadership. Their primary objectives include ensuring compliance with the Telstra Reference Architecture Model, minimizing technical debt, facilitating cross-domain decision-making, and contributing to optimal technology choices.
Mark has recently added to his role leading Telstra to create the future Autonomous Network using AI.
Ms Katherine Smith, Manager Industry Engagement, ICN Victoria
Kath Smith is ICN Victoria’s Industry Engagement Manager. She is an advocate for Victorian industry and passionate about the role procurement can play in the growth of individual business as well as state-wide economic prosperity. Before joining ICN in November 2022, Kath was Manager of Industry Policy at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focusing on industry, innovation and commercialisation, skills and training, government procurement and diversity and inclusion policy development. Prior to this she worked for the Federal Government in procurement and manufacturing policy development and implementation.
