Prominent scientist Leonie Walsh appointed to Swinburne Council
In Summary
- Former Lead Scientist for Victoria, Dr Leonie Walsh, joined Swinburne Council on 1 January 2020
- Dr Walsh has extensive experience in management and commercialisation of research and development
- Dr Walsh holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Swinburne and received an Honorary Doctorate from the university in 2014
Former Victorian Lead Scientist, Dr Leonie Walsh, has been appointed to Swinburne Council.
Dr Walsh has extensive experience in management and commercialisation of research and development and has had a long association with Swinburne.
She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Swinburne and received an Honorary Doctorate from the university in November 2014 for contributions and leadership in scientific enterprises, innovation and the community.
Dr Walsh holds a Master in Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management, is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
From 2013-2016 she was the first Lead Scientist in Victoria. She was also the inaugural Women in STEMM Ambassador, supporting gender equity in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine, and the first woman president of the Australasian Industrial Research Group.
Over a career spanning 30 years, she has worked in Australia and internationally, building a reputation for driving strategic commercial improvements and innovation in the organisations in which she has worked.
Dr Walsh welcomes the opportunity to serve on Council.
“Swinburne played a significant role in delivering the core education that both helped shape my career direction and also provided the applied and collaborative skills to build a satisfying and enjoyable career,” she says.
Prior to her appointment as Lead Scientist, Dr Walsh worked for Visy Industries, South East Water and Henkel in Victoria, and internationally for Dow Chemical.
She has led research and development (R&D) groups with direct involvement in technical service, new product development, material sciences, characterisation and process research. She has also provided support to technology-based start-up companies.
Dr Walsh’s current areas of activity help to bridge industry, government and academia across sectors including education, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, the circular economy and health services.