2025 Election l Ballot closes 11.59 PM AEST 3 September 2025

Dr Michael Baker, Director, Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University 

Dr Michael Baker is a highly experienced research leader with a career spanning over 15 years in research, management, policy, and governance. He is currently the Director of the Graduate Research School at Western Sydney University, leading strategic and operational functions for over 1,400 higher degree research candidates. Michael is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings strong financial literacy, governance acumen, and sector leadership experience. 

Michael has held senior roles across multiple institutions, including Director of Research Services at ACU, and has contributed to research policy and operational frameworks. He has served on governance committees and manages a multi-million-dollar operational and scholarship budgets with a focus on transparency, strategic alignment, and financial sustainability. A long-standing ARMS member and Fellow of Exercise and Sport Science Australia, Michael is passionate about professional development, inclusive practice, and sector advancement. He is nominating for both Treasurer and General Member positions and is committed to supporting the ARMS Board in realising its 2030 vision.

Dr Lachlan Doughney, Associate Director, Research and Innovation, RMIT University

Dr Lachlan Doughney is the current Treasurer of ARMS and Associate Director, Research and Innovation at RMIT University, with 10 years’ experience in both strategic and operational financial management. As ARMS Treasurer, he has focused on translating revenue growth into new programs, activities and events to benefit members, in consultation with the Board. Examples include support for increases to State Chapter funding for events, travel award funding, and the appointment of ARMS Partnerships, Education & Policy Manager. He has also provided financial oversight as part of the ARMS Board, presenting the 2024 Financial Statement to members. He has worked closely with the Society’s Management Accountant and Governance, Finance and Audit Committee to strengthen budgeting, reporting and alignment to the ARMS Strategic Plan: Towards 2030.

Lachlan brings strong governance insight and a commitment to strengthening ARMS through sound and future-focused financial management. Across his roles at RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology, he has been central to the development and implementation of institutional costing and pricing policies. At RMIT, he currently project manages a $5m annual budget for research development and support activities, in consultation with STEM College research leaders. This includes programs to support career interruptions for research staff, an initiative that bridges externally funded staff between research grants and contracts, and a range of internal research grant schemes that his team administers for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs). At RMIT, he regularly develops budgets in research proposals ranging from $50K to $50M+ across diverse research initiatives and multi-institutional programs.

As part of the ARMS Board, Lachlan would continue to use his experience to resource and advocate for initiatives that promote networking, engagement and knowledge sharing across Australasia.

Ms Sharon Aburn, Manager, Research Development and Partnership, Monash University

I joined ARMS in 2018 when I was a Faculty Research Development Manager at Monash University. Since then, I have been a strong advocate for ARMS and the sector, actively encouraging Monash staff to join the accreditation programs and take advantage of the opportunities to network with peers.

I have been an active member of ARMS for seven years, including the last two years serving as an ARMS Board General Member. I am seeking re-election because this is a pivotal and crucial time for the Board as we embark on implementing some important initiatives from the ARMS Strategic Plan: Towards 2030. These include a review of ARMS accreditation and professional development programs and the development of tools and programs to better support Indigenous and First Nations research management. I am the joint convenor of the Education and Professional Development Committee (EPDC). The EPDC has just received endorsement to begin a critical review of ARMS professional development and accreditation programs. I very much want to be able to continue to advise and shape this important review in consultation with ARMS members, the Executive Office, and Standing Committees

In addition to serving on the ARMS Board, Accreditation Council, and EPDC, I have taken the opportunity over the years to take on other leadership roles in ARMS as Co-Convenor of the ARMS Victorian Chapter and Training Fellow with ARMS, delivering the ARMS Fundamentals of Project Management course.

In my Co-Convenor role with the ARMS Victorian Chapter, I explored with the committee ways to increase the participation and representation of our regional colleagues in ARMS activities and events, including running professional development seminars in person at regional campuses and online.

I offer extensive knowledge and expertise in research development and project management. At Monash University, I have 13 years' experience in managing research and industry partnership development. Over the last seven years, I have led the delivery of faculty research development services for three faculties. Previously, I was in the Monash University Enterprise Office for six years, coordinating university-wide proposals, partnerships, and projects

Dr Michael Baker, Director, Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University 

Dr Michael Baker is a highly experienced research leader with a career spanning over 15 years in research, management, policy, and governance. He is currently the Director of the Graduate Research School at Western Sydney University, leading strategic and operational functions for over 1,400 higher degree research candidates. Michael is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings strong financial literacy, governance acumen, and sector leadership experience. 

Michael has held senior roles across multiple institutions, including Director of Research Services at ACU, and has contributed to research policy and operational frameworks. He has served on governance committees and manages a multi-million-dollar operational and scholarship budgets with a focus on transparency, strategic alignment, and financial sustainability. A long-standing ARMS member and Fellow of Exercise and Sport Science Australia, Michael is passionate about professional development, inclusive practice, and sector advancement. He is nominating for both Treasurer and General Member positions and is committed to supporting the ARMS Board in realising its 2030 vision.

Dr Andrea Christie, Manager, Research Strategy and Governance, RMIT University

Dr Andrea Christie is Manager, Research Strategy and Governance at RMIT University, with demonstrated experience in delivering capability building, networking and engagement initiatives for research managers sector wide. She has advanced the profession through her leadership in ARMS, serving as current Treasurer of the Victorian Chapter, member of the Melbourne 2025 Conference Sub Committee, and member of the Marketing and Communications Advisory Committee. Since 2023, she has transformed the Victorian Chapter’s networking events, leading the design and coordination of the past 6 events. Average participation has doubled, with the last having over 80 participants.

At RMIT, Andrea has driven the College Administration Research Support (CARS) network since 2024 to build professional identity among research managers at all levels of their career. Through structured bi-monthly meetings and events, she encourages members to share best practice and national policy insights across the research management sector and provide a gateway to joining ARMS.

In her governance and strategy role at RMIT, Andrea leads the development and implementation of critical institutional policies — including an enterprise-wide Cross College Research Centre Policy and a $5 million Indirect Cost Distribution Plan — where she ensures financial transparency, strategic alignment, and legal compliance across multiple academic units. She runs targeted training sessions with STEM researchers on using Impact Pathway Mapping methodologies in their translational research projects. These assist with planning R&D progression through each step of the Technological Readiness Scale (TRL). She is also the Convenor of the STEM College Research Strategy Committee that oversees effective strategic decision-making for College research activities, comprised of College and School Executive leaders.
If elected to the ARMS Board, Andrea will champion initiatives that deepen professional identity, expand member engagement, and amplify the collective impact of research managers across Australasia.

Mr Pierre Gouhier, Deputy Director, University of Newcastle, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources

Pierre Gouhier is a strategic executive and board director with deep expertise ininnovation, research commercialisation, and cross-sector leadership.

As a passionate advocate for the research management profession, he brings a proven track record of delivering large-scale R&D programs, forging high-value industry partnerships, and driving outcomes that directly strengthen research capabilities and impact.

Currently, as Director ofthe Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE)at the University of  Newcastle, Pierreco-leads a $280 million collaboration focused on fast-tracking commercialisation and propelling clean energy industries into the future. As Deputy Director at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), he further demonstrates his commitment to championing research development and partnerships across industry and government networks, actively building the profile and reputation of the University’s research capabilities. During his tenure as General Manager of ResTech, a collaboration providing commercially viable solutions between theUniversity of  Newcastle and Amp control, he successfully delivered research and development outcomes and obtained ISO 9001 accreditation for a product development services quality system (a rarity), showcasing his ability tomanage and deliver complex projects within an academic-industry nexus.

Pierre's extensive governance experience, including serving as Engineers Australia Newcastle Division President and holding multiple leadership roles within Engineers Australia and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub,underscores his ability to act as an ambassador for professional bodies and strategic initiatives. His core competencies in Strategic Leadership & Governance, Innovation & Commercialisation, and Stakeholder Engagement & Communication directly align with ARMS's mission to promote and support the research management communityand empower its members.

His qualifications include a Master of Engineering, a Master of Business, a Master of Engineering Management(Distinction), and an ongoing Master of Business Law, which,along with his practical experience, positions him to significantly contribute to the ‘ARMS Strategic Plan: Towards 2030.

Dr Dora Horvath, Associate Director, Research Grants and Contracts, Swinburne University of Technology

Dora is an accomplished research and project manager with extensive experience in the higher education, private and not for profit sectors. Currently she serving as the Associate Director of Research Grants and Contracts at Swinburne University of Technology, where is responsible for optimizing the operational effectiveness of various research administration functions and uplifting the university’s research support workforce. Throughout her career she has acquired a proven track record in managing research grants and contracts portfolios, driving university-wide process improvements, facilitating large-scale multi-institutional collaborations, and enabling research development and strategy.

Known for her positive outlook and can-do attitude, she excels in complex environments through collaboration, communication, and a shared sense of purpose. She is also committed to continuous learning, and an active member of ARMS as the co-convenor of the Research development SIG, member of the Postaward SIG and Training Fellow.

She is inspired about the possibility to be part of the ARMS Board, and advocate for engagement

Dr Leah Kivivali, Senior Manager, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Industry Engagement, La Trobe University

Dr Leah Kivivali is a strategic leader in research management with nearly 20 years of experience in the higher education sector. As Senior Manager in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Industry Engagement) at La Trobe University, Leah leads the development and implementation of the University’s Research & Innovation 2030 strategy, provides high-level advice to senior executives, and drives cross-institutional initiatives that strengthen research performance and engagement. She has led major organisational change, and established strategic forums that unite research leaders across the University to foster a cohesive and high-performing research culture.

Leah is a passionate advocate for the research management profession and actively contributes to sector development through her roles on the ARMS Conference Sub-Committee, the ATEM Bass Committee, and the WATTLE (Women Attaining Leadership) Grants Sub-Committee. Leah coordinates La Trobe University’s institutional engagement with ARMS, coordinating professional development activities, promoting sector-wide best practices, and fostering a strong research management community across the University.
Her career spans both academic and professional domains, including a PhD in neuroscience and eight years as a postdoctoral research fellow. This dual perspective enables Leah to bridge the gap between research and strategy, bringing depth, insight, and a strong commitment to advancing the profession through governance, advocacy, and innovation.

She brings a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to leadership and has the full support of her organisation to dedicate time to ARMS Board responsibilities her willingness to obtain the relevant police clearance check prior to commencing the role.

Ms Emily Knauth, ARC Research Hub Business Manager, The University of Queensland

Emily Knauth has a strong history of research management, particularly managing research science programs in the CSIRO and in the university system. Emily’s combined experience across research projects has involved funding from the ARC, NH&MRC, NIH, industry, and philanthropic organisations. Emily was first involved with science as an undergraduate, obtaining her Bachelor of Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland, followed by hands-on experience undertaking research. She then moved into research coordination at Griffith University, coordinating medical science research projects. This was followed by transitioning to CSIRO as part of organisation’s intellectual property team. Emily’s journey continued at the CSIRO as a Program Manager, managing two of CSIRO’s Future Science Platforms (FSPs) over the course of 6 years, receiving several internal awards for excellence in change, finance and program management.

During this time at CSIRO, Emily completed tertiary studies in Project Management (Grad Cert, QUT) and Accounting (BComm, Deakin), and became a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors course. The skills and knowledge gained in accounting and governance have been integral to how Emily approaches research management roles.

Emily is currently based at The University of Queensland as a Business Manager for the ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon. She is looking further her experience in leadership, including in Board positions to benefit organisations.

Dr Erin Semon, Director, Research Grants and Awards, Macquarie University

Dr. Erin Semon is a distinguished research management professional with over 13 years of experience and a fervent advocate for the profession. Her dedication to advancing research management is evident through her long-standing involvement with the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS). Dr. Semon has been a relentless champion of best practices, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the research management community. As the Director of the Research Grants and Awards team within Research Services at Macquarie University, Dr. Semon leads what she proudly calls “the best team on campus.” Her passion for leadership and mentoring is a cornerstone of her career, inspiring her team and peers alike.

Dr. Semon’s journey into research administration is a story of serendipity and determination. Initially aspiring to conduct post-PhD research that would change the world, she quickly realised that such groundbreaking work requires a global village of passionate individuals. This revelation led her to find her niche in research administration, a field she has embraced wholeheartedly and never looked back from.

Her role in ARMS extends beyond committee work; Dr. Semon sees herself as an ambassador for the profession. She actively promotes research administration through presentations and engagement with like-minded peers, emphasizing its world-changing potential.

In addition to her organisational responsibilities, Dr. Semon’s advocacy work reflects her unwavering dedication to ARMS’ mission. She embodies the values of integrity, ethics, and excellence that underpin research management. Dr. Semon’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive profession makes her an ideal candidate for the ARMS Board.

Ms Jaylene Wehipeihana, Self-Employed

I have been a member of ARMS since 2016. Over the years, ARMS has become more than a professional network it’s a community where I’ve found shared purpose and connection. As a proud Māori woman, I bring a deep commitment to creating inclusive, empowering spaces for First Nations and Indigenous research professionals, and for all professionals across the research management sector to grow and lead as their authentic selves.

My approach is grounded in whakawhanaungatanga building strong, respectful relationships. I strive to foster a collaborative, reciprocal environment. As a current ARMS Board member, I continue to champion initiatives that build capacity, promote equity, and support the cultural shifts our profession is driving across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and Singapore. Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to national and international research management communities. I’ve presented at INORMS (2018), ARMS conferences (2019, 2020), and URONZ (2019), and served on ARMS conference committees, including as Chair of the 2021 virtual conference. I currently co-convene the ARMS First Nations Research SIG and was honoured to receive the inaugural Future of the Field award from the Society of Research Administrators International—the only recipient from Aotearoa New Zealand.

I am truly grateful to have another opportunity to contribute to the future of research management through ARMS.

Dr Denise Dillon, Dean Research (acting), Associate Dean Research Education, AssociateProfessor Psychology, James Cook University Singapore

Dr Denise Dillon is Acting Dean Research and Associate Professor ofPsychology at James Cook University Singapore,where she leads research strategy and research education within a transnational context. Based in Singapore since2008, she is an ARMS Accredited Research Manager (Established) and an active Executive Committee member of theARMS Singapore Chapter, committed to advancing the research management profession across Southeast Asia andAustralasia.

A strong advocate for research integrity, collaboration, and inclusive research practice, Dr Dillonis an activecontributor to ARMS events, training, and conference programming (ARMS Sydney, 2023; ARMS SingaporeSymposium, 2025) and regularly engages with institutions across the region through multi-partner initiatives,including theJCUSJoint Higher Degree by Research Conference. She has delivered masterclasses, keynotes, andtraining events across the region and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Singapore Psychologist, supporting researchdissemination to diverse professional audiences. She is a passionate advocate for the research managementprofession, especially in advancing impact literacy, intercultural collaboration, and professional standards acrossborders.

Dr Dillon is fully supported by her institution to contribute one day per month in a voluntary capacity,includingattendance at in-person and online Board meetings, Standing Committee meetings, and related ARMS activities. Shehas extensive governance experience and is prepared to undergo a relevant police clearance. With a commitment toservice, professional development, and regional collaboration, she is enthusiastic about furthering the Society’sStrategic Plan: Towards 2030 by bringing a regional voice, collaborative mindset, and deep commitment to theprofession to the ARMS Board.

Mr Casper Hitchins, Research Funding Specialist, University of Auckland

I have several years of experience in the University sector in the UK and New Zealand. During those years I have worked in Faculty Schools and Central Offices, experiencing the differing demands and pressures both experience. In those roles I have worked on a Lifelong Learning Project within a Faculty School, in a School Finance Office, and in centralised Post-Award and Pre-Award Teams. The variety of roles have given me a board skillset and appreciation of the complex workplace University staff work and need to navigate.

In the UK, I regularly attended the ARMA conferences and was invited to co-organise and run workshops. The workshops were focussed on Pathways to Impact, with my focus on the adoption of those plans into research proposals. Working on the sessions gave me a focus on how we need to leverage the broad knowledge and skillsets that exist in our national RM Associations to drive our profession forward. This experience encouraged me to apply and win an ARMA award to co-deliver a workshop at the Annual NCURA conference in 2016.
Like many in our profession, I have experienced restructures, and this made me consider and act on improving my own understanding of the workplace and professional qualifications. I studied a MA in Leadership and Management which has proved useful on daily basis, looking behind the situation in-hand to analyse and plan a pathway forward.

At the University of Auckland (UOA), I was initial asked to develop and expand the international funding portfolio. Meeting our internal stakeholders and mapping funding opportunities to our research strengths and untapped potential were my first aims. Since then, we have tactical targeted schemes where our niche expertise was a strength and focused on opportunities for our SSH researchers who find international funds hard to come by. We have been successful securing new US Federal awards, Wellcome Trust, Spencer Foundation, HFSP and IT research grants.
New Zealand’s association Horizon Europe has led to me delivering numerous workshops and sessions in-house and to a wider audience. I was recently a panellist on the ARMS workshop - Collaborating with European Research Organisations, and I attended URONZ in 2024 and delivered session on Horizon Europe Processes and I am on the Aotearoa NZ Horizon Europe RO Network and one of the members for the monthly HE unlocked drop-in sessions for NZ. I am the UOA representative with the BayFOR (Bavarian Research Alliance) where we organise and hold sandpit activities for representatives from Bavaria and Auckland to discuss future collaborations for HE projects.

I have discussed the opportunity of the General Member – International position with Associate Director and Director of Research and Innovation Office, and they are supporting my submission and future commitments if successful.

Dr Edward Tan, Assistant Director, Geriatric Education & Research Institute, Singapore 

Dr Edward Tan is an established research management professional who excels in facilitating connections and enabling collaboration between Academic Research, Healthcare Policy and Healthcare Management, to foster lasting changes in healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Currently serving as Assistant Director of Research Administration at the Geriatric Education & Research Institute (GERI) in Singapore, he brings more than a decade of experience in research administration and healthcare policy across various settings.

In his current role, Edward has been instrumental in developing GERI's Research Impact framework and contributes actively to strategic decision-making as part of GERI's Central Management Committee. He oversees GERI's research infrastructure and serves as the Data Protection Officer, ensuring the integrity and compliance of sensitive research data.

Previously, Dr Tan led GERI's Research Administration (Support) team and managed a nationwide multi-site evaluation of community-based geriatric care services, coordinating across five tertiary hospitals and the central Ministry of Health, while managing a team of research management professionals (RMPs).

His career spans significant roles at prestigious institutions including the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (LKCMedicine, NTU), and the Ministry of Health Singapore, where he has consistently demonstrated expertise in centre/programme management, stakeholder engagement, and research strategy development.

As an integrative thinker, Edward brings a holistic and multifaceted approach to problem-solving, leveraging his diverse knowledge and perspectives to enthuse and motivate teams. His commitment to advancing research management is reflected in his involvement with Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS), where he serves as a committee member of the ARMS - Singapore Chapter, Advisor to the Health and Medical Research Special Interest Group (HMR SIG), and manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Research Management and Administration (JoRMA).

Ms Jaylene Wehipeihana, Self-Employed

I have been a member of ARMS since 2016. Over the years, ARMS has become more than a professional network it’s a community where I’ve found shared purpose and connection. As a proud Māori woman, I bring a deep commitment to creating inclusive, empowering spaces for First Nations and Indigenous research professionals, and for all professionals across the research management sector to grow and lead as their authentic selves.

My approach is grounded in whakawhanaungatanga building strong, respectful relationships. I strive to foster a collaborative, reciprocal environment. As a current ARMS Board member, I continue to champion initiatives that build capacity, promote equity, and support the cultural shifts our profession is driving across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and Singapore. Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to national and international research management communities. I’ve presented at INORMS (2018), ARMS conferences (2019, 2020), and URONZ (2019), and served on ARMS conference committees, including as Chair of the 2021 virtual conference. I currently co-convene the ARMS First Nations Research SIG and was honoured to receive the inaugural Future of the Field award from the Society of Research Administrators International—the only recipient from Aotearoa New Zealand.

I am truly grateful to have another opportunity to contribute to the future of research management through ARMS.