Catalysing Innovation via Research Infrastructure-Industry Partnerships
Despite Australia’s research performance being world leading, we continue struggle in moving the dial on several measures of economic dividends derived from the said research. We continue to lag behind compared to peers in terms of economic complexity and research translation, suggesting ongoing challenge of optimising the innovation ecosystem across academia, governments and industry. Is there a proactive role research infrastructure can play in research translation? Specifically, research infrastructure catalysing research translation in partnership with industry.
As part of this plenary session, Ryan Winn, CEO of Science Technology Australia, will outline the current policy deliberations, including emerging insights from the Strategic Examination of R&D. Jane O’Dwyer, CEO of Cooperative Research Australia, will outline the current strategic direction of CRA in catalysing industry-NCRIS-RI enabled innovation via the CRC program.
Further plenary speakers will be announced in due course. The session will conclude with a Panel to further probe both challenges and opportunities for research infrastructure in supporting national innovation priorities.
Ryan Winn is Chief Executive Officer of Science & Technology Australia (STA), the nation’s peak body representing people working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). A distinguished Australian policy leader, Ryan brings extensive experience across the public service, higher education and research sectors, and commenced in this role in May 2024.
He is a passionate advocate for advancing science, standing up for the voices of more than 250,000 scientists, technologists, educators and engineers represented by STA. His leadership builds on over a decade of work strengthening investment in, and the use of, cutting-edge research and innovation. This includes shaping a more effective research ecosystem through modernising research assessment, strengthening research infrastructure, and enhancing the access, use and impact of research evidence in the Australian Parliament.
Prior to STA, Ryan was CEO of Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), where he led national foresight projects, including Australia’s first Energy Transition Research Plan and horizon scans for Chief Scientists and Ministers. Before that, he led complex policy work in a range of Federal agencies, including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Education.
Jane O’Dwyer is CEO of Cooperative Research Australia, advancing industry-research collaboration.
Previously, she was Vice-President (Engagement and Global Relations) at The Australian National University. During her 15-year ANU career, Jane established the university’s office in Washington DC and was the long-time leader of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs.
She has previously worked in corporate affairs at the Australian Local Government Association and Sports Medicine Australia, and as a political advisor covering Trade, Regional Development and Resources and Energy.
She is Chair of the Canberra Writers Festival and Honorary Fellow in the Practice of Government Relations at the ANU Crawford School.
