The NSW Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility has a Board, including former national chief scientist Cathy Foley (chair) and Western Sydney U Engineering Dean Brian Falzon.
Winners at the 2026 Australian Space Awards include:
- Scientist of the Year: Virginia Kilborn (Swinburne U)
- Engineer of the Year, Academic/Research, Cheryl McCarthy (Uni Southern Queensland)
- Executive, Academic: Rodrigo Praino (Flinders U)
- Female Leader: Rebecca Connolly (Uni Sydney)
- Mentor: Rebecca Allen (Swinburne U)
- Rising Star, Academic: Kaja Antlej (Deakin U).
Michael Blumenstein is now Dean of Science and Engineering at Flinders U. He moved from UTS.
Natalia Centellas starts next month as CEO of the National Association of Testing Authorities. She moves from Secretary General at the Australian Medical Association.
Louise Herron becomes a VC Fellow at Uni Sydney, where she will “work on projects of value to the University.” She leaves the Sydney Opera House, where she was CEO.
Mark Hutchinson is now Adelaide U’s Interim PVC, Research Performance. It is an internal appointment.
Gavin Lind (Mining and Automotive Skills Council) and Natalie Turmine (Service and Creative Skills Australia) represent the ten Jobs and Skills Councils on the Tertiary System Advisory Council, (which works with ATEC).
Ronit Prawer steps to Head of International Affairs at the Australian Academy of Science. It is an internal appointment.
Brent Ryan is now Associate Dean, Indigenous Engagement at Deakin U’s Health Faculty. He moved from Victorian Aboriginal Children & Young People's Alliance.
Kevin Sanson becomes head of Uni Sydney’s School of Art, Communication and English. He joins from QUT.
Jo Whittaker (Uni Tasmania) will lead the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science for the next two years; which is how long new Commonwealth funding will last.