Robert Chalmers
Managing Director
Rob has managed ARI since 2007 after joining the company in 2005. Prior to that, Rob held a variety of roles in the private and public sector, specialising since 1990 in advising on the commercial and legal issues relevant to research, development and application of technology. He also held a part time academic role with the University's Law School during 1999-2007, where he taught IP and Technology Law electives. Rob is committed to ensuring ARI is a leader in the important engagement between the University sector and the community, enabling translation of capabilities, skills and ideas into impact for broader benefit.
Qualifications / Memberships
- LLM (Lond), LLB (Hons), BA (Hons) GDLP
- Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of SA
- IP Society of Australia and New Zealand
- CSIRO Medal for Business Excellence
- Member, University Research Committee
- Registered Technology Transfer Practitioner
- Vice Chair, Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia
- Director, Muradel Pty Ltd
- Director, Snap Network Surveillance Pty Ltd
- Director (alternate), Trans Tasman Commercialisation Fund (TTCF)
- Assistant Vice President for International Relations, AUTM
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 4337
F: +618 8313 4355
E: robert.chalmers@adelaide.edu.au
Pat Kelly
Deputy Director
Dr Kelly is a physicist with over 20 years of experience in research, development and commercialisation. Pat graduated from the University of Dublin (Trinity College) with a B.A. (Mod.) in Experimental Physics and a Ph.D. in Surface Physics using Nonlinear Optical Techniques. He has directed research in the area of photonics and authored more than 10 patents and 60 publications.
He was a co-founder of two spin-out companies, Optical Metrology Innovations Ltd. (OMI), and Nanocomms Ltd. (now Biosensia Ltd.). During his time with OMI, Pat's skills were applied to the roles of Chief Technology Officer, Chief Scientist, sales and marketing executive and Director of the company. He was responsible for the introduction of new technology from the universities, new product development and new applications development. He is also experienced in the financial aspects of business planning and company formation for start ups, and has an in depth understanding of the management of technical relationships with multinational companies worldwide.
Pat and his family relocated to Australia in September 2011.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.A. (Mod.) in Experimental Physics, University of Dublin (Trinity College)
- Ph.D. in Surface Physics using Nonlinear Optical Techniques, University of Dublin (Trinity College)
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6330
F: +618 8313 4355
E: pat.kelly@adelaide.edu.au
Renee Hakendorf
Marketing Manager
Manager Recruitment & Development
Renee brings to the company more than 13 years experience in marketing, communications and graphic design. She ‘cut her teeth' in the Adelaide branch of Australia Post's marketing department, working her way up from Marketing Assistant to Product Manager and eventually Marketing & Communications Manager SA/NT. During her time at Post she was fortunate to be involved in several ground breaking projects, including the design and construction of a custom-built CRM system which was eventually adopted nationally throughout the company, as well as the introduction of a loyalty program to drive stationery sales from corporate customers. As Marketing Manager for the CMV Group, one of South Australia's largest privately owned organisations, Renee managed marketing initiatives across their entire portfolio of companies in SA and VIC, including Lexus of Adelaide, CMI Toyota and Keen Office Furniture. In her current role with ARI she holds dual titles of Marketing Manager and Manager Recruitment & Development.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Marketing (UniSA)
- Affiliate, Australian Human Resources Institute
- Member, Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3486
F: +618 8313 4355
E: renee.hakendorf@adelaide.edu.au
Duane Rivett
Commercial Development Manager
Duane has held management positions in start up biotechnology and medical device development companies. Most recently, Duane was employed as Operations Manager at LBT Innovations Ltd (formerly LabTech Systems Ltd), an ASX-listed medical device company who developed an automated agar plate processing system, currently marketed worldwide as PREVI Isola. Duane was key in managing the development of the system by the Melbourne-based companies Invetech and Leica BioSystems. He was also involved in the licensing of the technology to international healthcare company, bioMérieux, who currently market the PREVI Isola to laboratories worldwide. Prior to working at LBT Innovations Ltd, Duane was a Project Manager for the biotechnology start-up, Vet Biotechnology, a provider of a revolutionary stem cell therapy to horses. Duane was responsible for developing and implementing various strategies to deliver the organisation's various technologies to market and overseeing the processes associated with manufacturing and distribution.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Masters of Science in the field of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (University of Adelaide)
- Masters of Business Administration - Technology Management (La Trobe University)
Current Portfolio
- Robinson Institute
- School of Dentistry
- School of Paediatrics & Reproductive Health
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6806
F: +618 8313 4355
E: duane.rivett@adelaide.edu.au
Greg Macpherson
Commercial Development Manager
Greg brings to the company a background in research commercialisation and marketing of technologies in a variety of industries including science, medical, IT, engineering and agriculture. He provides added value to the University's research facilities through a range of business advice. Formerly with UniSA as Commercialisation Manager, Greg brought research to market with his hands on and supportive approach. As a business development manager he delivered a government program that brought high growth business opportunities to reality. At Playford Capital, Greg managed venture capital investments into start up IT companies and supported their businesses until they achieved blue chip sales. Greg worked in the UK as Marketing Director of Cambridge Lasers, manufacturer of medical and scientific lasers. As well as managing sales throughout Europe, he also ran government funded R&D into new laser development. Merck, the German pharmaceutical company, gave Greg experience in medical and scientific research products and pharmaceutical manufacturing. He commenced his career in sales and marketing in the oil industry at Mobil. His experience in both research and business means he facilitates successful linkages between the university and industry.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Sc. in pharmacology and biochemistry (University of Adelaide)
- Grad.Dip. in Marketing (Monash)
- Company Directors Certificate (AICD)
Current Portfolio
- School of Medical Sciences
- Clinical Trials (all Schools)
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3485
F: +618 8313 4355
M: 0434 431 918
E: greg.macpherson@adelaide.edu.au
Valerie Morris
Commercial Development Manager
Valerie worked for the University in the School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Waite Campus from 1994 to 2003. This was followed by 3 years at Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd specialising in the management of contract research and consultancy projects mainly concentrating on the activities within the Faculty of Engineering. Valerie then left the University environment for 3 years to work as a Subcontracts Specialist for Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd, a multinational US based defence company. She held a key role in securing the tactical interface for the combat system and undersea defence equipment for the high profile Air Warfare Destroyer program. Valerie returned to Adelaide Research and Innovation in 2010 to take on her current role. Valerie has developed a very strong client focus and depth of understanding based on her diverse experience and is results driven to provide the best possible outcomes for Government and industry.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Master of Business Administration - Advanced (University of Adelaide)
Current Portfolio
- Population Health & Clinical Practice
- Joanna Briggs Institute
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3926
F: +618 8313 4355
E: valerie.morris@adelaide.edu.au
Paul Arthur
Commercial Development Manager
Paul Arthur brings to the Business Development Manager position within ARI a wealth of experience in both the Defence and Defence Industry areas with over 31 years experience. Paul graduated from the University of Adelaide with a BEng (Hons) and further completed a MSc whilst in the Australian Air Force where he served in a number of roles both technical and managerial. On completion of his serving career, Paul moved into Defence Industry in various positions ranging from Marketing Manager to General Manager in both large and small companies, giving him a depth of understanding of the technical and commercial issues that face Australian Defence related companies, especially as they relate to the development, marketing and sale of new products based on local research capability. Paul has been working with the University in various roles since 2005.
Qualifications / Memberships
- BEng (Hons) (University of Adelaide)
- MSc
- Steering Committee, Centre for Defence Communications and Information Networking
- Committee, DSTO Strategic Alliance
- University of Adelaide Wind Tunnel Advisory Committee
- University of Adelaide Defence Advisory Committee
- Management Committee, Centre of Expertise in Photonics
- Advisory Committee, Centre for Military and Veterans' Health (Adelaide Node)
- Executive Committee, Defence Systems Innovation Centre
- Board Member, Association of Old Crows
Current Portfolio
- Team Leader, Faculty of Engineering, Maths & Computer Science (ECMS)
- Defence applications - across Faculties
- School of Mathematical Science
- TRC Mathematical Modelling
- Australian Centre for Visual Technologies
- Defence Systems Information Centre (DSIC)
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 5020
F: +618 8313 4355
E: paul.arthur@adelaide.edu.au
Tim Spencer
Commercial Development Manager
Tim Spencer completed undergraduate studies at the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Science, First class honours in the discipline of Physiology in 2005. He was subsequently awarded a divisional scholarship to complete a PhD within the discipline of Physiology beginning in 2006. During his PhD candidature Tim was also awarded a Commercialisation Training Scheme scholarship to complete a Graduate Certificate of Science and Technology Commercialization that was completed in the first semester of 2009.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Science (Hons in Physiology) (University of Adelaide)
- Graduate Certificate Science & Technology Commercialisation, (University of Adelaide)
- PhD Physiology (University of Adelaide)
Current Portfolio
- Chemistry & Physics
- Molecular & Biomedical Science
- Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS)
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6348
F: +618 8313 4355
E: timothy.spencer@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Jane Rathjen
Commercial Development Manager
Jane joined Adelaide Research and Innovation in January 2001 after working in Product Development for Uniroyal Chemical (now Chemtura). Jane was involved with assessing and regulating agricultural chemicals, writing business plans and analysing markets and market potential for new compounds.
In her time at ARI Jane has worked across all of the faculties of the University and has been responsible for the management of consultancy and contract research agreements, and all aspects of technology transfer, from technology identification to commercialisation.
Qualifications / Memberships
- BSc (Hons)
- PhD (Plant Genetics)
- Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Member, Ausbiotech
Current Portfolio
- Team Leader, Faculty of Sciences
- School of Agriculture, Food & Wine
- Waite Institute
Contact Details (Mon - Wed)
T: +618 8313 6009
F: +618 8313 4355
E: jane.rathjen@adelaide.edu.au
Sanjee Peiris
Commercial Development Manager (Maternity)
Before joining ARI, Sanjee had brief stint working as a lecturer in her University back in Sri Lanka and then joined the banking sector. She worked as a Project Executive in DFCC Bank (Sri Lanka) managing the loan portfolio for agricultural and other industrial projects in her branch and she has also worked part time in Bank of South Australia (BankSA) while pursuing her Masters in the University of Adelaide. After joining ARI, Sanjee has gained valuable experience in commercialisation and managing commercial projects in the University mainly across the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a few other schools in the Engineering Faculty. Her experience in her current and past jobs has enhanced her skills in multi tasking, team work, communication, managing complex projects and solving problems, great adaptability to any enterprise environment and working well under pressure. Sanjee has a simple and practical approach to work and is always committed in building and maintaining valuable relationships with internal and external clients.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Sc. First Class Honours in Agricultural Sciences with specialisation in Agribusiness Management, Sri Lanka (2002)
- Masters in Agricultural Business (University of Adelaide) (2006)
- Member, Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA)
Current Portfolio
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Environment Institute
- Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3323
F: +618 8313 4355
E: sanjee.peiris@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Justin Rigden
Commercial Development Manager
Justin has 10+ years of research experience in the field of viral pathology, first as a post-doctoral fellow with CSIRO (1989-1993) and then as a Senior Scientist with the global healthcare company Johnson & Johnson (1993-1998) and has published extensively in the scientific press. He gained valuable experience in the commercial aspects of the drug development process whilst working in business development for the Adelaide-based biotechnology company GroPep Ltd (1998-2005). Justin negotiated the first successful Australian registration of an Orphan Drug Product with the US FDA in 2000 and was responsible for in-licensing and out-licensing a number of key technologies in GroPep's drug development programme. He joined ARI in January 2006
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Sc. (Hons) degree in biochemistry (University of East Anglia, UK) 1986
- Ph.D. molecular virology (Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, London) 1989
Current Portfolio
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 4461
F: +618 8313 4355
M: 0413 567 114
E: justin.rigden@adelaide.edu.au
Ash Ravikumar
Commercial Development Manager
Ash has worked in commercialization of technologies in both academia and industry. Ash joins ARI from Honeywell, where he worked as a Licensing manager and developed licensing and go-to market strategies. Before India, Ash worked with University of California Santa Barbara and at University of South Florida at their technology transfer offices. Ash graduated with a Masters in Electrical Engineering from University of South Florida.
Current Portfolio
- Adelaide Radar Research Centre
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering
- School of Chemical Engineering
- School of Computer Science
- School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 0696
F: +618 8313 4355
E: ash.ravikumar@adelaide.edu.au
Steve Hood
Commercial Development Manager
Information about Steve.
Qualifications / Memberships
Current Portfolio
- School of Computer Science
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- Centre for Energy Technology (CET)
Contact Details
T: +618 8303 3112
F: +618 8303 4355
E: steven.hood@adelaide.edu.au
Simon Firth
Commercial Development Manager
Simon brings to ARI valuable commercial experience in synchronizing business needs with opportunities, principally in supporting companies to evaluate and implement new market entry and growth activities. Prior to joining the ARI team as Commercial Development Manager in 2009, Simon gained valuable experience as Business Development Manager for Minelab - the world's leading innovator of advanced metal sensing technologies. Responsible for accelerating revenues, raising brand awareness and positioning new products and technologies in emerging markets, Simon managed relationships, negotiated contracts and improved vendor performances against targets for Minelab's dealers, distributors and end users in Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan and the Solomon Islands. Preceding this, Simon led South Australia's involvement in a national commercialisation and export development initiative while working with the South Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he supported companies - many from their embryonic stages across multiple industries (incl. biotechnology, ICT, advanced electronics and wine), to prepare and package global ‘go to market' campaigns for various products, services and technologies. Simon has a BA (International Studies) from the University of South Australia, is a member of the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) and (as former Deputy Chair) contributed to the re-establishment of the Japan Australia Business Council of South Australia Inc in 2005.
Qualifications / Memberships
- BA (International Studies) (University of South Australia)
- Member of the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM)
Current Portfolio
- Institute for Mineral & Energy Resources (IMER)
- Australian School of Petroleum
- Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innovation Centre (ECIC)
- Centre for Energy Technology
- Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering
- Eng Test
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6255
F: +618 8313 4355
E: simon.firth@adelaide.edu.au
Oana Manole
Corporate Lawyer
Oana brings to ARI international as well as local expertise in commercial transactions across several industry sectors. Following graduation, Oana worked in regulatory compliance for a global telecommunications company with offices based in London, followed by a stint with the Lotteries Commission of South Australia, where she was involved in monitoring the protection of the Commission's intellectual property assets; advising on marketing ideas and projects as well as intellectual property matters affecting the lotteries brands held by the Commission. Furthermore she has worked as a legal counsel for an interstate services procurement company where she was required to advise on commercial agreements. Upon returning to Adelaide Oana was part of the team negotiating one of the South Australian government's biggest IT agreements, the South Australian Government Radio Network agreement. In joining ARI Oana will provide legal advice across several faculties in the pursuit of negotiating positive outcomes for the University of Adelaide researchers.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice / Bachelor of International Studies (International Relations) (Flinders University)
- Honours in Politics (University of Adelaide)
- Member of the Law Society
- Member of Australian Corporate Lawyers Association
- Member of the Society Of University Lawyers
- Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia
- Commissioner for taking Affidavits in the Supreme Court of South Australia
Current Portfolio
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences
- Population Health & Clinical Practice
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Dentistry
- Paediatrics
- Medical Sciences
- Robinson Institute
- Joanna Briggs Institute
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6253
F: +618 8313 4355
E: oana.manole@adelaide.edu.au
Georgia Sherry
Corporate Lawyer & Company Secretary
Georgia has had extensive experience in the transfer of research outputs from the university to the industry sector both at the University of Adelaide and at SydNovate, the technology transfer office of the University of Sydney. Her previous private legal practice experience has been in industrial law and she has also run her own private practice specialising in property related transactions including residential and commercial conveyancing/leasing. Georgia has held various positions at ARI including Intellectual Property Manager. In addition to her role as a Corporate Lawyer she also provides company secretarial services to the Board of ARI and has been a director and secretary of other spin out entities from the University of Adelaide. Georgia has served as State president of the Licensing Executives Society of Australia and New Zealand and State President and member of the Board of the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association. She has been on the board of a number of community not-for-profit organisations.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Laws (University of Adelaide)
- Chair, Welded Structures Foundation (successor to the CRC Welded Structures)
- Director, Energy Pipelines CRC Limited
- Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia
- Commissioner for taking Affidavits in the Supreme Court of South Australia
Current Portfolio
- Agriculture, Food and Wine
- Chemistry & Physics
- Molecular & Biomedical Science
- Medicine
- Orthopaedics & Trauma
- ITS
- Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS)
- Waite Institute
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6099
F: +618 8313 4355
E: georgia.sherry@adelaide.edu.au
Jennifer Rudd
Intellectual Property Manager
Jenny has vast experience in management, para-legal work and administration in the private sector and has worked at ARI since 2001. Her current role involves management of the University's IP Portfolio, including patents, trade marks, domain names and related entities. Jenny's initiation into the work force began in Melbourne, working with the Assistant Manager of National Trustees, Executors and Agency Company of Australasia (now National Mutual Trustees) commencing an estate administration course through the Public Trustee in Melbourne in the early 80's. She progressed to management of a boutique law firm on the Mornington Peninsula in the mid 80's with extensive responsibilities including taking conduct of the firms conveyancing matters, assisting in management of general litigation, briefing of barristers, involvement in negotiation of small settlements, costing files in addition to general office management. An interstate move saw her working at Finlaysons for 11 years where she further strengthened her administrative skills, being extensively involved in coordinating the firm's move from 211 Victoria Square and simultaneous building and fit-out of 81 Flinders Street, to working in the firm's renown library, enhancing her para-legal / research skills considerably whilst acquiring knowledge and gaining experience with respect to database management. The time at Finlaysons included a stint with the corporate commercial group.
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3480
F: +618 8313 4355
E: jennifer.rudd@adelaide.edu.au
Kerry O'Brien
Finance and Corporate Services Manager
Kerry started her career working at Coopers & Lybrand (chartered accountancy firm now merged into Price Waterhouse Coopers) as an accountant in the Business Services team. She then pursued a career in the corporate arena first working at the Australian Submarine Corporation then 6 years in the construction industry with Baulderstone Hornibrook as a Financial Accountant. She then started her own consulting business providing accounting and business management services to local businesses before joining ARI in June 2001.
Key Responsibilities
- Manager of Finance & Administration Team
- Management & Statutory Accounting
- Financial Administration
Contact Details (Tues - Fri)
T: +618 8313 6244
F: +618 8313 4355
E: kerry.obrien@adelaide.edu.au
Carole Cumberford
Finance and Office Management Administrator
Carole's work history has predominantly been in customer service, ranging from roles in small enterprise to Restaurant Proprietor. After a lifestyle change, she completed a Certificate in Business Administration in 2006 and joined ARI in January 2007.
Key Responsibilities
- Records Management
- Accounts Receivable
- Office Administration
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 5020
F: +618 8313 4355
E: carole.cumberford@adelaide.edu.au
Paula Panozzo
Finance and Employee Services Administrator
Paula's career began in retail, where she worked her way up from junior office assistant to payroll officer, then was transferred to another store where she managed the office/cashier's desk and also trained the sales staff in administration tasks. After 11 years service, the stores were sold, and Paula moved on to a large commercial real estate firm, initially as a general ledger clerk, and later as assistant to the accountant, a role which also included payroll and financial reporting. After 12 years the general ledger accounts and payroll function was relocated to Sydney. Paula did not accept the offer to transfer, and instead completed a 2 month temporary assignment with ARI (then known as Luminis) as a Payroll Assistant, which evolved into a permanent position as Payroll Administrator in 2001.
Key Responsibilities
- Payroll Administration
- General Ledger Administration
- Debtor Administration
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 4136
F: +618 8313 4355
E: paula.panozzo@adelaide.edu.au
Geraldine Robinson
Finance and Corporate Services Administrator
Geraldine's career commenced in a small business environment working in both customer service and accounts payable/receivable. She spent the next 18.5 years with Telstra in a variety of roles, initially working in the country as a switchboard operator before transferring to Adelaide, where she worked in customer service, accounts receivable & HR administration, quality assurance and staff training. Following Telstra, she went on to work part-time at Ansett in both customer service and administration. She joined ARI in 1996 on a part-time basis in Accounts Receivable and this role grew into a full time position as Finance & Administration Officer.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- General ledger administration
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3802
F: +618 8313 4355
E: geraldine.robinson@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Matthew Chong
Commercial Development Manager
Matt has worked at ARI since 2006 and currently manages the Health Sciences team. In his time at ARI, he has been involved in the planning and establishment of two University research centres (the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Mens Health and the Centre for Stem Cell Research), involved in successful applications for Federal infrastructure funding and project managed the transition of the Population Research and Outcomes Studies Unit from SA Health into the University, in addition to the commercialisation of a broad range of technologies, services and capabilities across the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Prior to joining ARI in 2006, Matt held positions with a variety of local biotechnology companies and research institutes and completed his doctoral studies at TGR BioSciences, investigating the mechanisms underlying signal transduction crosstalk. He has also worked at the Child Health Research Institute (now WCHRI) and was seconded to the CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair, based at Gropep, where he worked as a protein chemist, purifying proteins from complex mixtures.
Matt is currently completing a post graduate degree in applied finance.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Biotech (Hons)
- PhD (Medicine)
- Committee Member, SA Branch of Ausbiotech
- Member, Ausbiotech
- Member, Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA)
Current Portfolio
- Team Leader, Faculty of Health Sciences
- School of Medicine
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 4996
F: +618 8313 4355
E: matthew.chong@adelaide.edu.au
Anas Al Daboubi
Commercial Development Manager
Before his arrival to Australia, Anas used to work as a legal consultant in law firms where he provided legal consultations in commercial transactions, preparing due diligence reports for merger & acquisitions deals, registration of Intellectual property rights, reviewing and drafting agreements, legal translation and providing consultations in Civil and Corporate laws. He also worked as senior protection clerk in United Nations high commission for refugees. His legal background enriched his skills in managing projects, negotiating deals of commercial nature and broadened his practical understanding of the contractual environment. His proven ability in working well under pressure and as a team member enabled him to deliver desired outcomes whilst building and maintaining good relations with internal and external clients.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Law
- Masters in International Trade Law (University of Technology, Sydney)
Current Portfolio
- Faculty of Professions
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Institute for International Trade
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3112
F: +618 8313 4355
E: anas.aldaboubi@adelaide.edu.au
Liz Skinner
Commercial Development Manager
Prior to joining ARI, Liz held a number of contract roles for local and state government in Brisbane including managing the induction and orientation of international employees into the state and assisting with implementation of water efficiency measures during the Queensland drought crisis. Before moving to Australia in 2007, Liz worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Education assisting to manage policy designed to protect international students. In this role she was responsible for managing a number of contracts and acted as an advisory officer on policy and best practice in International Education. After completing her Masters in Political Science, Liz worked with an International Development Project Management company assisting with tenders and project management for clients such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. Liz has experience in project and contract management as well as a good understanding of both internal and external client needs and enjoys being able to develop a more detailed understanding of the research that happens within the University.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Masters in Business Administration (current)
Current Portfolio
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Elder Conservatorium of Music
Contact Details
Liz is currently on maternity leave, please contact Sandra Millburn:
T: +618 8313 6357
F: +618 8313 4355
E: sandra.millburn@adelaide.edu.au
Violeta Babovic
Commercial Development Manager
Violeta started her career in the automotive industry as a production/product quality engineer. During this time, she worked on a range of different R&D activities such as development, prototyping, managing testing and evaluation programs for production release and product accreditation purposes. For the last four years she worked as a Test Facility Manager for the Barbara Hardy Institute at the University of South Australia, where she managed a multi-disciplinary group of researchers and students involved in consulting and contract research. As part of this role, she was responsible the development and management of relationships with different stakeholders involved in the promotion, growth and regulation of renewable applications. Violeta joined ARI in April 2012.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) (University of South Australia)
Current Portfolio
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR)
- Mech Test
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 1731
F: +618 8313 4355
E: violeta.babovic@adelaide.edu.au
Meagan Mercurio
Commercial Development Manager
Meagan joined ARI in April 2012. She has a strong scientific background, which has been recently complemented with the completion of a Masters of Business Administration in 2011. Throughout her career Meagan Mercurio has been involved in research programs within the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and wine industries, both the locally and internationally. Prior to joining ARI, Meagan's most recent position was as Manager of the Australian Wine Research Institutes - Metabolomics facility (AWRI-MA), a government supported contract research facility. The AWRI-MA facility was the first high throughput Metabolomics facility in South Australia; servicing clients from the corporate and academic environment from the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and beverage and bio-engineering industries. Meagan played an integral role at the facility from its inception, through to operational and growth stages; managing operations and business development and leading a number of national strategic initiatives.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Technology, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry (Flinders University)
- Bachelor of Science, Chemistry (Flinders University)
- Masters of Business Administration (University of South Australia)
- Committee Member, SA Branch of Ausbiotech
- Member, Ausbiotech
Current Portfolio
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 1728
F: +618 8313 4355
E: meagan.mercurio@adelaide.edu.au
Stephen Hardy
Commercial Development Manager
After many years researching early cancer, Stephen moved to the commercial world, working for nearly 10 years as Marketing Manager for the Biotechnology Reagents division of the Adelaide-based biotechnology company GroPep. On leaving GroPep he consulted to the biotechnology sector. Stephen also has a keen environmental interest, particularly working with endangered species and has written, lectured and published in the area. He has been on the Board of the not-for-profit registered national charity the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME) since 2001. He joined ARI in April 2012.
Qualifications / Memberships
- B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry (Flinders University)
- Ph.D. Biochemistry and Immunology (Flinders University)
- Permaculture Design Certificate
Current Portfolio
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Environment Institute
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 1729
F: +618 8313 4355
E: stephen.hardy@adelaide.edu.au
Roxanne Jansen
Relationship Development Manager
Roxanne brings to ARI a true passion for business best practice and thrives in developing successful strategic alliances that offer reciprocal benefits. She comes with over 11 years in high level business and project management; Working on projects ranging from small ventures to large scale multinational joint ventures. Having spent time supporting businesses and projects all over Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia & the Middle East, her Clients have ranged from small Supply and Construction Companies right through to Global Mining and Resource Conglomerates. Roxanne also appreciates & understands large Corporate structure; being operationally responsible for Westpac's Retail Banking Division across SA/NT; accountable for 51 branches across 4 regions, implementing change in HR, Safety, Risk Management, Operational Retention and Training. She has also successfully managed her own business (a Registered Training Organisation) from conceptualisation, right through to government audits and client contract implementation. Through various Projects and Organisations, Roxanne has over 15 years hands-on experience in managing and motivating staff and teams to drive business to further productivity and achieve a robust outcome, utilizing efficient methodologies.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of International Relations & Trade (Asian Studies)
- Post Grad – Economic & Trade Sanctions
- Post Grad – Business Continuity Management
- Post Grad – Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Member, EDHEC – Risk Institute
- Member, DEVEX – International Development of Business
- Member, Institute of Executive Coaching
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 1730
F: +618 8313 4355
E: roxanne.jansen@adelaide.edu.au
Andrew Hawking
Corporate Lawyer
Andrew has worked as In House Counsel, Independent Legal Advisor and Policy Advisor for a wide range of organisations, statutory authorities, government and private companies, across a variety of practice areas including: engineering, defence, energy, mining, water, climate change, native title, farming, construction and projects, telecommunications and cyber-security. He worked previously as a Barrister at the Victorian Bar, conducting trails, appeals, negotiations and preparing advice on commercial, civil, administrative and common law matters. Andrew was previously an officer in the Army Reserve - serving in both Infantry and Legal Corps. He has also worked as a university lecturer and tutor in: Evidence, Civil Procedure, Media Law, Trade Practices, Property, Advocacy, Legal Skills and Ethics.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Laws - University of Adelaide
- Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution - City University of New York
- Bachelor of Arts - Flinders University (Philosophy, History of Art and Archaeology)
- University of South Australia – Masters in Sustainable Design (current project)
- North Adelaide School of Art - Advanced Diploma of Applied Art (Photography and Painting)
- Barrister and Solicitor in South Australia and Victoria and Barrister in Queensland
- Attorney and Counselor at Law - New York USA
Current Portfolio
- Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
- Faculty of Professions
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Institute of Minerals, Energy and Resources (IMER)
- Environment Institute
- Institute for International Trade (IIT)
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 3483
F: +618 8313 4355
E: andrew.hawking@adelaide.edu.au
Sandra Millburn
Commercial Development Manager
Sandra brings to the company over 13 years experience in Account Management and Relationship Development, including extensive experience in tender writing and project management, in the commercial fit-out industry. Sandra completed her Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) at Flinders University before receiving a scholarship from The Ehrenberg-Bass Institute of Marketing Science, University of SA to complete her Bachelor of Business (Honours). Her achievements including receiving the highest mark ever achieved for the Marketing research topic.
Sandra has a passion for resaerch, in particular, the design of high quality research, and has been involved in research projects for both Industry and Government organisations.
She is very excited about combining her previous experience and enthusiasm toward looking for opportunities to utilise the knowledge and expertise developed by our researchers.
Qualifications / Memberships
- Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) - Flinders University
- Bachelor of Business (Honours) - University of South Australia
Current Portfolio
- School of History & Politics
- School of Humanities
- Elder Conservatorium of Music
- Australian Workplace Innovation & Social Research Centre (WISeR)
Contact Details
T: +618 8313 6357
F: +618 8313 4355
E: sandra.millburn@adelaide.edu.au
