In Summary

  • Dr Elaine Saunders has been elected a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering
  • She has been recognised for her efforts as an entrepreneur, businesswoman, author and inventor, as well as a supporter of women in STEM, an advocate for Australian innovation

Swinburne’s Dr Elaine Saunders has been elected a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, recognising her long history of entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Dr Saunders has been welcomed by the academy alongside 24 other experts from across research, government and industry as fellows. 

She has been recognised for her efforts as an entrepreneur, businesswoman, author and inventor, as well as a supporter of women in STEM, an advocate for Australian innovation and a trusted adviser on a range of advisory panels to government, industry and academia. 

Dr Saunders is perhaps best known for co-founding the profit-for-purpose, research-led company, Blamey Saunders hears, with Professor Peter Blamey. The organisation works to alleviate the burden of hearing loss. She recently stepped down as executive chair of the company following six years as CEO.   

Dr Saunders’ Swinburne story 

Joining Swinburne in 2015 as an adjunct professor, Dr Saunders was appointed Chair of the Innovation Precinct Advisory Board in 2019, where she provides advice based on her experience in innovation, health and entrepreneurship. 

“My biggest role is certainly helping with the strategy of the Innovation Precinct,” she says. 

“Being based on campus I am available as a mentor to young companies and entrepreneurs. 

“The initiatives that have started here and the staff that have been put here are doing a good job in moving towards the future, and I want to make sure the strategy makes a global and social impact.”     

An esteemed career

Dr Saunders’ other accolades include the BioMelbourne Network’s inaugural Women in Leadership Award (2015), Asia’s Leading Woman in Healthcare (2011), the Victorian Pearcey Entrepreneur Award (2011) and the American Academy of Audiology’s Award for Achievement in Industry (2010). 

Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering President, Professor Hugh Bradlow, welcomed the new fellows. 

“We bring together Australia’s leading experts in applied science, technology and engineering to provide impartial, practical and evidence-based advice to enable Australia to maintain its position as a leading technology economy,” says Professor Bradlow. 

“The 2019 cohort of new fellows comprises a remarkable and talented group who will contribute to helping the academy fulfil its mission.”