Research Impact SIG Networking Session - Thursday 26 June 2025

The ARMS Research Impact Special Interest Group (RI-SIG) hosts monthly networking sessions on the last Thursday of each month from 1–2 PM AEDT/AEST.

The theme for the upcoming informal discussion on Thursday 26th June 2025 is ‘Impact at INORMS 2025' – join us for a catch up from our local members that presented at INORMS in Madrid in May! The focus will be on impact presentations. Please come with ideas and questions to share for an open and engaging discussion.

Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025

Time: 1PM - 2PM AEST (Check your time zone here)

Type of Event: Online via Zoom

Speaker(s):

Lucy Donaldson & Kris Kathiravel “Scaling Research Impact” - Monash University

At Monash University, Lucy Donaldson works across nine international campuses to operationalise strategic and large-scale research initiatives, within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President.

Lucy is an experienced leader in complex program management and strategic projects in Australasia, with consulting and analysis experience at The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Apple, and The University of Melbourne. She has two decades of executive committee experience, including as Non-Executive Director of the board. In 2019 she received the Premier's Award for Volunteering (Leadership) in recognition for her service to the community. She is an experienced speaker and is frequently invited to deliver keynotes, emcee events, and facilitate panels for academic, professional and community audiences.

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts with honours (BA Hons.) from The University of Melbourne, and a Masters of Public and Social Policy (MPSP, exp 2026) from Macquarie University, as well as the Foundations of Directorship program with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (2021).

As the Deputy Director of International Research Partnerships and Programs, Kris leads the development and implementation of strategies to foster and enhance the university's research collaborations with global partners. He has over fifteen years of experience in strategy, finance and operations, policy and program management across public and private enterprises. Kris has a track record of delivering exceptional results in complex and challenging environments, such as securing a large contract with a leading international organisation, improving processes of a major client, and advising on infrastructure finance for the Australian government. He is skilled in analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as PRINCE2 and change management methodologies. He is passionate about advancing the impact and excellence of research and innovation for social and economic benefits.

Alistair Duncan “Designing for Sustainability Impact with Data” - La Trobe University

Sharon Aburn “The Impact Labs Interdisciplinary Model” - Monash University

Sharon Aburn is Research Development and Partnerships Manager at Monash University's and an ARMS Board Director and Training Fellow. .At Monash Sharon delivers strategic research initiatives to enhance research performance and advance industry engagement priorities. The Monash Business School Impact Labs initiative brings together a network of more than 200 across many disciplines to co-design solutions for today's most pressing economic, environmental and social challenges.

Rochelle Finlay – Impact @ INORMS - Impact Research Management

A Fellow of ARMS and a Janet-Dibb-Leigh awardee, Rochelle is passionate about unlocking research potential to support society, the environment, and our economy.

With more than 30 years of experience in the research and innovation sector, Rochelle has held senior leadership roles across New Zealand and Australia – driving opportunities and initiatives across blue-skies and applied research, commercialisation, and innovation.

Through Impact Research Management Ltd, Rochelle works at the intersection of research, strategy, and environment, supporting research organisations to optimise and unlock their research potential and drive local-to-global impact.

Zoom link: To be provided in event confirmation email.

Zoom Meeting ID: To be provided in event confirmation email. 

Help: Click here to learn how to join a Zoom meeting and click here to learn about participant controls. If you need assistance with accessing Zoom at your office, please contact your organisation’s IT Support. We strongly recommend you test your ability to connect to Zoom prior to the session.

If you have any questions, please contact the ARMS Executive Office ARMSMembership@researchmanagement.org.au or +61 8 8201 5592.

Please note that this session may be recorded and made availble to members of the SIG.