VIC Chapter Event: Dialogues over Breakfast - 31 July 2026

Join ARMS Victorian Chapter members for a breakfast forum exploring the challenges, opportunities and evolving leadership landscape that are shaping research management today. Featuring insights from Professor Andy Hill (Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Impact, Victoria University) and Dr Sejal Kendal (Chief of Staff, WEHI), this event will bring together research management professionals from across the sector for discussion, reflection and connection.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 31 July 2026

Time: 8:00am – 10:00am AEST

Format: In-Person

Address: East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 - Details provided in your confirmation email

Inclusions: Light breakfast snacks and coffee will be served. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.

RSVP: By Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Presenter(s)

Professor Andy Hill - Victoria University

Professor Andy Hill is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Impact) at Victoria University, Melbourne. An internationally recognised molecular neurobiologist, he focuses his research on neurodegenerative diseases and extracellular vesicle biology. He is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and co-founder of Excelligent Pty Ltd.

In his current role, Andy leads the University’s research and impact strategy, driving partnerships across industry, government, and community to deliver real-world outcomes. He is actively engaged in national research policy, mentoring emerging leaders, and advancing inclusive and impact-focused research systems.
 

Dr Sejal Kendal - WEHI

Dr Sejal Kendal is Chief of Staff and Company Secretary at the WEHI, where she works with the Director, Executive and Board on strategy, governance, organisational transformation and major institutional initiatives. With more than a decade of experience across the university and medical research institute sectors, she has held leadership roles spanning research management, research strategy, planning and executive operations. Sejal is passionate about enabling research excellence and bringing together researchers, professional staff and institutional leaders to drive impact in health and medical research.

Host/Facilitator(s)

Dr Lahiru Gangoda - Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA)

Dr Lahiru Gangoda currently serves as Head of Research Grants and Development at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA). With over 15 years of experience as a former biomedical researcher, she brings a deep understanding of the medical research ecosystem—particularly in cancer research, where she has built a strong and proven track record. She possesses extensive expertise in experimental design, validation studies, program and project management, and laboratory operations.

In her current role, Dr Gangoda leads strategic research development initiatives, manages funding portfolios, and supports researchers through all stages of the grant lifecycle—from opportunity identification to successful grant execution. She also oversees animal ethics and biosafety governance at the institute, ensuring research compliance with rigorous ethical and safety standards. In addition, she has significant experience in research governance, stakeholder engagement, and institutional research strategy.

Notes

• Upon registration your name and organisation will be provided to the chapter convenor or event organiser, to record attendance and manage the event.
• This event may be photographed and posted to ARMS platforms, if you don’t want to be included in these photographs, please advise the event organiser at the event.

ARMS CANCELLATION POLICY

Should your circumstances change, and you are unable to attend this event, you must contact ARMSMembership@researchmanagement.org.au by no later than 10 working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled event. ARMS will refund the full registration fee minus any administrative fees.

Should you cancel less than 10 working days prior to the commencement of this workshop, no refund will be payable but instead you may wish to send a proxy.

ARMS reserve the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule courses and events due to minimum numbers not being reached or for other unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of a cancellation, ARMS will aim to advise all participants in writing five (5) days prior to the scheduled event and will refund the full registration fee including administrative charges within 30 days after notification.

Questions/Cancellations

Contact the ARMS Executive Office at:
ARMSMembership@researchmanagement.org.au
+61 8 8201 5592