Advisory Group

Leon Scott is the Director of Research Infrastructure Operations at QUT.  In that role, he is responsible for the development and operation of QUT’s very broad portfolio of research infrastructure including: Biofutures and biorefining, future food, biomedical manufacturing, clean energy, including renewable energy, hydrogen and battery technology, robotics, space technology, horticulture, ecology, creative industries and most things in between.  Dr Scott has three decades of operational and strategic leadership in research, health and manufacturing facilities; including at The University of Queensland, Queensland Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and now Queensland University of Technology.  In this time, he has collaborated with innumerable research, government and commercial partners.  Dr Scott is passionate about working with researchers and industry to transform innovative ideas into real world impact, and to help create the industries and jobs of the future.

Julie Rothacker is the Director of Major External Programs (Government) at ACU, where she leverages her extensive experience and network in research and research infrastructure to drive impactful initiatives in the higher education, commercial and government sectors. She has a keen focus on advancing the careers and professional development of those leading and supporting research infrastructure across Australia. Her role at ACU involves shaping and directing major external programs, ensuring that research is enabled, and research capabilities are positioned at the cutting edge of global innovation. Julie’s passion for fostering leadership and career pathways is deeply embedded in her belief that empowering the people behind the capability is essential for sustainable progress. Her contributions extend beyond strategic program development, reflecting a commitment to building a vibrant and resilient research community.

Dr Lisa Yen received her PhD in Cognitive Science, investigating speech and language, from Macquarie University in 2005. She brings over 15 years of experience in university administration, strategic research management in ARC Centres of Excellence, and operations and management of national collaborative research infrastructure. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer for Microscopy Australia (formerly the Chief Operating Officer from 2019-2023). She is passionate about facilitating national collaborative research efforts, professional development opportunities and raising the profile of the highly skilled research infrastructure workforce.

Craig Humphrey is the Director of the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, funded by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). With over 15 years of experience in research infrastructure, Craig has been instrumental in the design, implementation, and staffing of SeaSim, establishing it as a world-class research facility. His diverse research background includes expertise in water quality on the Great Barrier Reef, ecotoxicology, ocean acidification, climate change, coral reproduction, and coral health. This experience has enabled him to lead a talented team of engineers, aquarists, and technicians in supporting cutting-edge marine research. Under his leadership, SeaSim has become an internationally recognised hub for experimental marine research, advancing scientific knowledge in Australia and globally.

Michelle brings over 25 years of experience in medical research, with academic credentials in Biotechnology and an MBA. Her career showcases expertise in life science facility management, strategic planning, and securing capital funding. As Executive Director - Innovation & Commercial Partnerships at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Michelle led initiatives across Core Facilities, GMP Cleanrooms, and Industry Engagement, fostering key collaborations with med-tech start-ups. A strong advocate for research excellence, Michelle has been instrumental in promoting core research infrastructure and support services. Working collaboratively across the sector to further enhance translational research capabilities.

Sophia Degner is Director, Research and Facility Services at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and leads several research support teams including Core Facilities, Research infrastructure and Building Facilities, closely interacting with a range of stakeholders, including suppliers and Government and University departments to ensure a high-quality level of service to all SAHMRI researchers and collaborating partners. Ms Degner has over 30 years’ experience, conducting research and in management roles, including laboratory, operations, project, and events, primarily in the agricultural sector in the development of barley varieties for the malting, brewing, food and feed industries.

Dr Lauren Hyde is the Director of Research Infrastructure (acting) at the University of Melbourne. She has a background in Materials Science and extensive experience in managing materials characterisation facilities across Australia with a specialisation in surface topography and chemical characterisation. She founded and managed the Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform at the University of Melbourne for 6 years before joining the University of Melbourne Research Infrastructure strategy team in 2020. As the Director of Research Infrastructure Lauren provides cross-university strategic and operational support to the research infrastructure ecosystem with a particular passion for staff development, process improvement and business development.