Dr Sue O’Brien serves as the Associate Director for FaBA Operations. She is a seasoned senior manager in the Australian research sector, with expertise in leadership and governance, stakeholder management, strategic planning, research operations, and grants management.
In her role as Associate Director, Sue oversees the business and administrative functions of FaBA, including governance, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Collaborating closely with the Director and Program Leads, she supports the development of all FaBA initiatives and manages ongoing relationships with key partners and stakeholders, including businesses of all sizes, government agencies, universities, and commercialization partners.
Sue brings a versatile, practical, and problem-solving approach to leading and delivering programs at both organizational and national levels. She holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership from the UQ Business School, and is AICD qualified.
With extensive experience in research management, governance, and integrity programs, Sue has contributed nationally as Deputy Chair of the NHMRC Better Practice Guide Committee, in association with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018). With over 25 years of experience in the university and not-for-profit sectors, she now leverages her skills for the successful delivery of FaBA initiatives.
Key capabilities
Research organisation management
Strategy development and implementation
Stakeholder management
Financial operations, governance and reporting management
Policy, people and outreach