Professional staff

Jane O’Dwyer is the CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
She is an executive leader with more than 30 years' experience spanning higher education, research, public policy, government relations, media and strategic communications.
Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of research, industry and government, with a focus on strengthening Australia's innovation capability and translating research excellence into economic and societal impact.
From 2021 to 2026, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Cooperative Research Australia, the national body for industry-research cooperation. During her tenure, she led a period of substantial organisational growth and increased national engagement, strengthening advocacy for collaborative research and innovation and helping elevate the profile of Australia's Cooperative Research Centres and broader innovation ecosystem.
Prior to joining Cooperative Research Australia, Jane was Vice-President (Engagement and Global Relations) at The Australian National University. During her 15-year career at ANU, she established and led the University's office in Washington DC, based within the Australian Embassy, and held senior leadership responsibility for strategic communications, public affairs, government relations and stakeholder engagement.

With deep experience in providing evidence-based advice to government, Peter leads ATSE with a focus on equipping decision-makers with the independent, evidence-based advice they need to make complex decisions.
Working closely across ATSE’s expert Fellowship and key stakeholders, Peter leads research, consultations and other evidence-based work informing issues of national importance. Prior to his leadership roles at ATSE, he held a range of roles from National President of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations through to Policy Manager at Science & Technology Australia (STA).
Peter has trained hundreds of scientists to communicate effectively with government through Science Meets Parliament and the STA STEM Ambassador Program which he established; Peter was also an elected member of the University of Western Australia Senate. Peter has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Australia with research experience in Cardiac Physiology and Renal Morphology as well as a Graduate Diploma in Politics and Policy from Deakin University.

Alison is Acting Deputy CEO and Director of the STEM Careers team, leading a high-profile portfolio of programs, including STELR, IMNIS, Elevate and Propel, that builds diversity and equity of access across the STEM pipeline, from school through university and beyond.
After a PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and research roles at the University of Melbourne, Alison discovered a passion for mentoring and advocacy, later championing diversity and inclusion in high school STEM education as Director of the In2science peer mentoring program.
As a leading advocate for STEM equity, Alison regularly informs government decision-making and is trusted by policymakers and sector leaders to shape thinking on workforce development, educational opportunity and sovereign capability. At ATSE, her inclusive, enabling leadership style underpins high-performance cultures where people are trusted to do their best work.

Richard is the Director of Business Operations for ATSE, where he leads the essential corporate services that underpin the Academy’s mission. He oversees a diverse portfolio including financial strategy, risk management, information technology, and the professionalisation of operational frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability and excellence.

With over 25 years of experience in consulting and financial services, Richard has a proven track record of leading complex business transformations. Prior to joining ATSE, he held senior leadership roles at KPMG and E&P Financial Group, where he specialised in risk advisory, strategic growth, and navigating significant regulatory changes, such as those following the Financial Services Royal Commission.

A dedicated advocate for innovation and accessible education, Richard is also a professional mentor at the Australian National University. He holds a Master of Business and Environmental Management alongside undergraduate degrees in Commerce and Science. Based in Canberra, Richard is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys mountain biking, tennis, gardening, and supporting his community.

Sarah is the Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, leading strategic engagement with donors, partners and stakeholders to grow support for ATSE’s initiatives and expand organisational impact. She brings twenty years of experience across philanthropy, partnerships, communications and stakeholder engagement in the not-for-profit, advocacy and education sectors.
Sarah has held senior roles with Mission Australia, the Community Council for Australia, the Australian National University and Marist College Canberra where she built major partnerships programs, developed fundraising strategy and led organisational growth initiatives. She has also worked as a consultant to the not-for-profit sector, advising organisations on fundraising strategy, program development, partnerships and advocacy, both independently and as Head of Corporate Philanthropy with Global Philanthropic.
Sarah holds degrees in Arts and Commerce from the University of Sydney and was part of the inaugural cohort for the Centre for Social Impact’s Graduate Certificate in Social Impact, where she was awarded the Chief Executive Women Scholarship.