2026 Election l Ballot closes 11.59 PM AEST 2 September 2026

Dr Sarah Flaim, Chief Operating Officer, National Imaging Facility, The University of Queensland

Dr Sarah Flaim is Chief Operating Officer of the National Imaging Facility and a Non-Executive Director of the Academy for Collaborative Research Infrastructure. With more than 20 years of experience across research management, higher education and national research infrastructure, she has built a reputation as a highly effective executive leader, trusted adviser and advocate for research excellence.

A Fulbright Scholar and former University of Oxford postdoctoral researcher, Sarah combines academic credibility with extensive experience in governance, research strategy, funding, partnerships, operations and organisational leadership. She has held senior roles across central research administration, research development, grants management, contracting and national research infrastructure, supporting the full research lifecycle from funding strategy through to delivery, performance and impact.

Sarah currently leads governance, financial stewardship, operational performance and risk management across a national research infrastructure network spanning 14 partner organisations and more than 30 sites. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and contributes Board-level oversight through her role with ACRI.

A passionate advocate, Sarah is committed to strengthening the capability, visibility and impact of the sector. Through her service on the MS Australia Research Review Panel and broader consumer advocacy activities, she actively promotes consumer-informed research and stronger connections between researchers, funders and communities. Her leadership has been recognised through nominations for the 2026 Women in Technology Awards in both the Executive Leadership and Consumer Strength categories. As noted in the nomination, “Sarah has a rare ability to bridge lived experience, research leadership, policy and community perspectives in ways that strengthen national discussions around research priorities, clinical trials and consumer-informed approaches.” Sarah would bring strategic leadership, governance expertise, a national sector perspective and a collaborative approach to the ARMS Board.

Jane Holt, Executive Director, Research Strategy and Services, RMIT University

Jane Holt is standing for President-Elect because she believes ARMS members deserve an inclusive, future-focused professional society that champions the value of research management and supports members at every stage of their careers. As Executive Director, Research Strategy and Services at RMIT University and a Fellow of ARMS, Jane brings more than 30 years’ experience in higher education and research management, including senior leadership across RMIT and Monash University.

She has led research strategy, research services, policy, governance, risk, compliance, service transformation, systems implementation and capability-building initiatives that strengthen research management practice and support responsible research. Jane is known for a consultative and inclusive engagement style that builds shared understanding, while also bringing the judgement and decisiveness needed to make timely decisions and provide clear direction.

Jane has contributed actively to ARMS and the broader profession as Co-Convenor of the Research Directors Special Interest Group, an ARMS Foundation Level Accreditation Program assessor since 2019, a supporter of accreditation, mentoring and professional development, and a member of the successful ARMS bid team for INORMS 2029 in Singapore. Her contribution has been recognised through the ARMS and CSIRO Award for Excellence in Research Management Practice in 2020 and the INORMS Award for Excellence in Research Management Leadership in 2025.

If elected, Jane would work for members by strengthening ARMS’ professional development, accreditation and capability-building offerings; ensuring the Society contributes meaningfully to policy development; encouraging proactive engagement with major funders, government and sector partners; building international research management partnerships; strengthening research management practice that supports culturally respectful, ethical and responsible Indigenous research and engagement; and helping position research management as an attractive, rewarding and sustainable career pathway across the region. She would bring energy, judgement and a strong commitment to service to the ARMS Board, with a focus on advancing the profession and the people who make research possible.

Connie Killey, Director of Research Finance, The University of Melbourne

Connie Killey is a values-driven executive leader and accomplished research management professional with deep expertise in research finance, strategic planning, and organisational performance. An ARMS Accredited Research Manager, with many years of senior leadership experience across major Australian universities, she has led high-impact teams responsible for governance and financial stewardship of complex research portfolios. A Fellow of the Australasian Research Management Society, and an Accredited Training Fellow, Connie has volunteered with ARMS for over a decade, through Chairing Conference Committees, delivering Training Modules, and serving two terms on the ARMS Board as Treasurer. Connie is also an active contributor to National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Region VIII and is an active member of the global research management community. Connie is recognised for her strengths in operational leadership, driving efficiency, leading change, and developing people. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s High Potentials Leadership Program and holds an MBA from Charles Sturt University. Connie is also a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants. Passionate about community service, she has dedicated time to mentoring families and young people through Mission Australia and The Smith Family. Connie brings a blend of strategic insight, financial acumen, and values-based leadership to every role she undertakes. 

Dr Sarah Flaim, Chief Operating Officer, National Imaging Facility, The University of Queensland

Dr Sarah Flaim is Chief Operating Officer of the National Imaging Facility and a Non-Executive Director of the Academy for Collaborative Research Infrastructure. With more than 20 years of experience across research management, higher education and national research infrastructure, she has built a reputation as a highly effective executive leader, trusted adviser and advocate for research excellence.

A Fulbright Scholar and former University of Oxford postdoctoral researcher, Sarah combines academic credibility with extensive experience in governance, research strategy, funding, partnerships, operations and organisational leadership. She has held senior roles across central research administration, research development, grants management, contracting and national research infrastructure, supporting the full research lifecycle from funding strategy through to delivery, performance and impact.

Sarah currently leads governance, financial stewardship, operational performance and risk management across a national research infrastructure network spanning 14 partner organisations and more than 30 sites. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and contributes Board-level oversight through her role with ACRI.

A passionate advocate, Sarah is committed to strengthening the capability, visibility and impact of the sector. Through her service on the MS Australia Research Review Panel and broader consumer advocacy activities, she actively promotes consumer-informed research and stronger connections between researchers, funders and communities. Her leadership has been recognised through nominations for the 2026 Women in Technology Awards in both the Executive Leadership and Consumer Strength categories. As noted in the nomination, “Sarah has a rare ability to bridge lived experience, research leadership, policy and community perspectives in ways that strengthen national discussions around research priorities, clinical trials and consumer-informed approaches.” Sarah would bring strategic leadership, governance expertise, a national sector perspective and a collaborative approach to the ARMS Board.

Tara McLaren, Director External Relations (substantive role); formerly Research Manager, Australian Institute of Marine Science

I am an active, enthusiastic, and engaged member of the Research Administration community and would love to continue representing this community on the ARMS Board with a second term. During my first term on the Board, I contributed to strategic planning discussions, co-chaired the Education and Professional Development Committee, and supported the ongoing review of the ARMS Professional Development Framework

Over the past 12 years I have been actively engaged in the Society most recently as General Member on the Board.  I have also contributed to State and National initiatives including Co-convenor of the ARMS Research Development SIG (2014-15), Member and co-chair of the WA Chapter Committee (2016-20), 2019 Membership Services Committee – WA representative (2018-20) 2019 ARMS Conference - Perth Organising Committee member (2018-19), ARMS Training Fellow (2017-present), and led the development of the ARMS Project Management module. In 2021 I received the SRAI Outstanding Achievement in Research Administration – “Rising Star” Award, recognising my contributions to the Research Management profession. These contributions reflect my commitment to supporting the Society as it strives to fulfill its vision and mission.

I have worked in the higher education and research sector for more than 20 years, holding positions across several functions including student recruitment, marketing, Institute business manager, research development and research impact & engagement, providing me with a deep understanding of the operating environment. I worked at a medical research institute for five years as Head of Research Development & Commercialisation, followed by almost two years working for a consulting group servicing the health and medical research sector which exposed me to a wide variety of organisations including government, university, private, and start-ups. Most recently I have held the roles of Director External Relations at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

I have extensive experience in contributing to, and chairing, committees and working groups including Boards, Research Committees, and consultative committees. I have served as a voluntary Board Member to the Health Services Family Association in Western Australia where I led this organisation through a period of change. Over the past two years I have served as a General Member of the ARMS Board

I would be thrilled to be re-elected to the Board to continue supporting the delivery of the ARMS Strategy and the revised ARMS Professional Development framework.

Dilara Ozer, Legal, Risk and Compliance Manager, The Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN), hosted by the University of Melbourne

I am a legal, risk and compliance professional with operations and partnerships experience in Australia's digital research infrastructure sector. As Legal, Risk and Compliance Manager at the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN), I am responsible for contract management, data licensing, risk management, compliance, policy development, and government reporting. My work includes providing strategic insights and advice to our Leadership Team and the Board on risks and strategic opportunities.

I combine legal and analytical capability with a strategic and practical operational mindset to support effective decision-making. An emotionally intelligent and collaborative leader, I enjoy working cross-functionally internally and collaboratively with government, universities, research organisations and industry partners to deliver meaningful outcomes.

I hold a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and am admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia. I have complemented my legal background with professional development in risk management, finance, cyber security, privacy, sustainability and strategic problem-solving.

I am a strong advocate for the research management profession and seek to be more involved in the important role ARMS plays in fostering collaboration, professional development and excellence across Australasia. As a General Member of the ARMS Board, I would bring strong governance, strategic thinking and communication skills, together with a collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to advancing the Society's strategic objectives and supporting its members.

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

Dr Erin Semon didn't set out to become a research manager. After her PhD she wanted to do research that would change the world, and it was in trying that she discovered something that has shaped her career ever since: world-changing research depends on a whole community of people working quietly and expertly behind the scenes. She found her place among them, and more than 14 years later she remains a passionate advocate for the profession and for the people who make research possible.

Erin has been a committed member of ARMS throughout her career, and currently serves as Convenor of the ARMS Conferences and Major Events Committee [CMEC] as well as ad-hoc reviewer for the ARMS accreditation program. Serving as the Convenor of the CMEC is a role she genuinely loves, working alongside the Board representatives, talented colleagues from across our sector, and the Executive Office to shape the Society's strategies and guidelines for its major events, and collaborating with members from across Australasia to deliver the range of events across our membership. It is clear from many years of service on the CMEC, that ARMS delivers valuable programs of events throughout the year which add so much value to our community.

At Macquarie University, Erin is Director of Research Grants and Awards, leading a team she is proud of and mentoring colleagues as they grow into their careers. She led the transition work centralising grant support within her institution, including building the compliance and process frameworks that are still in use today, and she has contributed to national consultations, including with the Australian Research Council changes to the NCGP, as the sector navigates significant change nationally and globally.

Erin sees herself as an ambassador for research management. She is keen to help deliver and implement ARMS' strategic vision, and to help future-ready and future-proof the Society in an ever-shifting global context. If elected, she would bring warmth, practical governance and compliance experience, and a deep commitment to the ARMS community to the work of the Board.

Vesna Stefanovski, Chief Operating Officer for the ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS), La Trobe University

I am a passionate advocate for the research management profession and am committed to strengthening ARMS as an inclusive, connected and influential professional society. I am nominating for the ARMS Board because I want to contribute my strategic insight, financial capability, governance experience and practical understanding of the evolving needs and opportunities across the research management profession. I am particularly committed to expanding engagement across the profession and ensuring that ARMS continues to represent and support research management professionals working across diverse roles, institutions, sectors and career stages. Through my leadership as inaugural co-convenor of the ARMS Special Interest Group for Major Research Collaborations, my involvement in ARMS conferences and INORMS bids, and my service as co-convenor of the 2025 ARMS Annual Conference, I have actively promoted knowledge-sharing, professional connection and broader participation in the Society.

If elected, I would bring a collaborative, energetic and member-focused approach to the Board. I would advocate for practical professional development, stronger sector connections, greater recognition of research management expertise and more opportunities for emerging professionals to participate and lead. I would also contribute sound financial judgement, strategic thinking and a strong commitment to governance, transparency and the long-term sustainability of ARMS. I have extensive experience across research strategy, funding, finance, governance, compliance, partnerships and major collaborative initiatives. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer of the La Trobe University-led Australian Research Council Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use, MOBIUS, where I provide strategic, operational, financial and governance leadership across a complex multi-partner research collaboration.

I would be honoured to serve ARMS members and to help shape a strong, connected and future-focused Society that continues to champion the profession and create meaningful value for its members.

Jessica Suna, Director, Office of Research, CQUniversity

Jessica has built her career at the intersection of research ambition, governance and delivery. Beginning as Research Manager for the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer in 2006, she has spent more than two decades working across clinical and academic research environments. This experience has given her a grounded understanding of what it takes to move research from idea to impact, particularly in complex and resource-constrained settings. 

Jessica is currently Director of the Office of Research at CQUniversity, where she leads a broad portfolio spanning grants, contracts, ethics, research governance, legal services, infrastructure, partnerships, and research performance. Her work focuses on strengthening research systems, improving service delivery, supporting income generation, and ensuring that research is well governed, financially sustainable and practically supported. 

Originally trained in nursing, Jessica has developed a multidisciplinary skillset through postgraduate qualifications in applied science, clinical trial management, research and data science. She has led large professional teams, implemented enterprise research systems, contributed to AI and research governance initiatives, and advised senior leaders on institutional risk, performance and sustainability. 

Jessica’s point of difference is her reform-focused approach to research management. She is interested in how the profession can move beyond transactional support to play a more visible role in strategy, risk, data-driven decision-making and institutional resilience. She brings practical experience in translating policy into workable systems and ensuring that strategy is connected to delivery. 

Jessica is a strong advocate for research management as a profession and for the role ARMS plays in building capability, professional identity and sector leadership. She would bring to the ARMS Board a practical, future-focused and collaborative perspective shaped by experience across health, university and regional research environments.