Engineering the Future: Aligning Action; Accelerating Equity

Professor the Hon. Verity Firth AM is the Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).  She is a Professor of Practice at the School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture.  Prof. Firth has over twenty years’ experience at the very highest levels of government and education sectors in Australia.  She has strong public policy experience and a proven capacity to drive large-scale reform across a range of organisations. Prior to her role at UNSW, Prof. Firth was the Pro Vice-Chancellor Social Justice and Inclusion at the University of Technology Sydney (2015-2022).  She developed and delivered the UTS Social Impact Framework, a first of its kind for the Australian university sector and founded the UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion. Prof. Firth is Chair of the National Centre for Vocational Education and Training, and Chair of Engagement Australia. She is Deputy Chair of the Australian Public Policy Institute and Teachers Mutual Bank. She is a member of the Commonwealth Government’s Tertiary System Advisory Council and served on the Implementation Advisory Committee for the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission. Prof. Firth was NSW Minister for Education and Training from 2008 – 2011, where she focused on equity in education, and how to best address educational disadvantage in low socio-economic communities, including rural and remote Indigenous communities. As NSW Minister for Women (2007-2009) Prof. Firth implemented sector wide strategies to improve women’s recruitment, development and employment in the NSW public sector, and delivered the NSW Government’s first Domestic Violence Strategy. As Chief Executive of the Public Education Foundation (2011-2014), Prof. Firth led the Foundation’s transformation from a fledgling organisation into a major provider of scholarships and support for teachers and students in public education. Prof. Firth was the Member for the state seat of Balmain from 2007 - 2011. Before her parliamentary career, Ms Firth worked as a lawyer and was Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney.

Vlado Perkovic is the Provost at UNSW Sydney and Scientia Professor at UNSW, and was previously the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health as well a Professorial Fellow at The George Institute. His research focus is clinical trials and epidemiology, in particular, in preventing the progression of kidney disease and its complications. He leads several major international clinical trials with a focus on diabetic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy and CKD more broadly, and has Chaired the Steering Committees of many trials along with several ongoing trials.

Vlado holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and of the American Society of Nephrology.

Professor Sakkie Pretorius is Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research at Macquarie University in Sydney. He has a background in synthetic yeast genomics and wine biotechnology. Sakkie began his career in South Africa. At Stellenbosch University, he became the founding Director of South Africa’s Institute for Wine Biotechnology. In the US and Europe, he conducted research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Germany, and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. In 2003, Sakkie relocated to Adelaide to take up the role of Managing Director of the Australian Wine Research Institute. In 2013, he took up his current role as Deputy Vice Chancellor Research at Macquarie University where he also initiated a research program in Synthetic Biology and founded the Australian Genome Foundry. He is the driving force behind a university-wide Engineering Biology strategy and leads the Australian team of the International Synthetic Yeast Genome project. Sakkie has published more than 270 peer-reviewed research articles (H index = 92), delivered more than 600 conference presentations, won research grants totalling more than $130 million, achieved many awards, and filed six patents. Over the past three decades, he has supervised or co-supervised 35 PhD students and 56 MSc students. He is committed to academic excellence that creates value and opportunity for industry and the wider community. In his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, he is committed to academic excellence that creates value and opportunity for industry and the wider community.

Adam Davids is a proud Aboriginal man and descendant of the Wiradjuri people. He is the CEO of CareerTrackers, a national non-profit supporting First Nations university students to enter professional careers. Adam is also a Fulbright Scholar, Board Director at Social Ventures Australia and Founder of First Nations Equity Partners, where he champions Indigenous leadership in the public markets asset management industry.

Growing up in Wagga Wagga and Sydney’s south-west, Adam’s early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to social justice, education, and economic empowerment for underrepresented communities. He was a pioneer in the establishment of both CareerTrackers and CareerSeekers, which together have supported thousands of First Nations students, refugees, and asylum seekers into professional and managerial roles across Australia’s private sector.

Adam brings deep expertise in Indigenous affairs, nonprofit leadership, and racial equity. He has developed a global network of business leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore systemic solutions to racial wealth inequality, leadership diversity, and nonprofit sustainability. His thought leadership and strategic advisory work have informed sector-wide reforms and organisational transformations, including at the intersection of ESG, Indigenous policy, workforce development and higher education.

Professor Lucy Marshall is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Leadership) at the University of Sydney, where she leads the strategic direction for culture, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the institution.

Prior to joining the University of Sydney, Professor Marshall was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University. She previously held successive leadership roles at the University of New South Wales, and was the academic lead for Athena SWAN.

Professor Marshall has an impressive research record and was an ARC Future Fellow from 2013 to 2018. She served as the Director of the Water Research Centre from 2020 to 2022 and the Deputy Director of the Australian Research Council Industrial Training Centre in Data Analytics in Resources and Environments from 2020 to 2025. Professor Marshall is a Fellow of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand (MSSANZ) and was awarded the Biennial Medal of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society for Excellence in Research in 2020. She has extensive experience in driving cross-institutional initiatives that enhance the student experience and maximise research impact.

Dr. Marlene Kanga is a is a non-executive director of some of the largest organisations in Australia in energy, water, transport and innovation. She is a former National President of Engineers Australia (2013) and a former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), 2017-2019, representing 100 nations and 30+ million engineers.

Marlene has been listed among the top 10 women engineers in Australia and among the Top 100 Women of Influence. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia, a national honour, “for distinguished service to engineering, as a global leader and role model to women”  

A champion for diversity in STEM in Australia and internationally, she has advocated for women in STEM at the UN and UNESCO and initiated the International Network for Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) Asia Pacific Nation Network, which has 19 women in engineering groups as members, mentoring hundreds of women across the region

She is the inaugural Co-Chair of Elevate, for the Department of Industry and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), to increase the participation of women in STEM in Australia.

She successfully initiated and led the proposal for UNESCO to declare 4^th March as World Engineering Day, now reaching more than 70 million globally.

Marlene is the recipient of numerous awards in Australia and internationally including the 2024 Peter Nicoll Russell Medal, the highest individual honour conferred by Engineers Australia and the 2023 Ada Lovelace medal from UNSW for outstanding contributions as a woman engineer.

Romilly Madew is CEO of Engineers Australia. Previously Romilly was CEO Infrastructure Australia (IA). Before joining Infrastructure Australia, Romilly was CEO of Green Building Council of Australia for 13 years.In acknowledgment of her contribution to Australia’s sustainable building movement, Romilly was awarded an Order of Australia in 2019. In 2025, she was awarded a National Medal for sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving, became the first female Life member of Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Engineering from the University of Sydney. Ms Madew sits on the STEM & Health Champions of Change committee; a Member of the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering (ATSE) Infrastructure Forum; Chair IFM Australian Infrastructure Investor Advisory Committee, Director Placemaking NSW Board; Member Infrastructure Net Zero Steering Committee; Chair UNSW Institute of Industrial Decarbonisation IAC; Independent Chair Currawong State Park Advisory Board (NSW); and Member UK Institution of Civil Engineers Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI) Steering Group  Romilly is a Founder, Ambassador and former Director of Minerva Network (supporting Australia’s elite sportswomen). Romilly has mentored two-time Australian Olympic rower, Georgie Rowe since 2019. In her personal time, Romilly is an active surf life saver on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 

Professor Craig T. Simmons FAA FTSE is Chief Scientist for South Australia. He is a leading groundwater scientist, recognized for contributions to groundwater science, science leadership, education, and policy reform, working across the public and private sectors. He is Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle. Craig was Foundation Director of the ARC National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at Flinders University, and Executive Director for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences at ARC. Craig is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and American Geophysical Union. He has received awards including the Australian Academy of Science Anton Hales Medal for distinguished contributions to research in the Earth Sciences, South Australian Scientist of the Year, Australian Water Professional of the Year, and International Association of Hydrogeologists Presidents’ Award. He is a lead author of the United Nations World Water Development Report “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” and coauthor of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report.

Professor Richard Yang is the Interim Dean of the School of Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Western Sydney University. He is also Head of Discipline for Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Founding Director of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Before joining Western Sydney University in 2012 as an Associate Professor and foundation academic in Mechanical Engineering, Professor Yang held academic positions at Deakin University, where he progressed from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. He was appointed Professor in 2017.

With more than 22 years of academic experience in Australia, Professor Yang has made substantial contributions to engineering education, helping develop industry-ready graduates through a strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. As an internationally recognised research leader, Professor Yang's expertise encompasses advanced engineering materials, advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing (3D printing), digital twins, Industry 4.0, multiscale modelling and simulation, structural health monitoring, and machine condition monitoring. He has established strong partnerships with industry across Greater Western Sydney and beyond, advancing research translation, technological innovation, and industry engagement. His contributions to engineering research, education, and industry collaboration have earned widespread recognition nationally and internationally.

Sharanya is the Chair of the Women in Engineering Sydney Committee and a civil engineer at Transport for New South Wales. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of New South Wales, and has over four years of industry experience across both government and consultancy, with a background in civil works, roads, drainage, and project management.

She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments within engineering and contributing to a future where diversity and collaboration are embedded in the way the industry designs and delivers infrastructure. Sharanya is committed to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change and strengthen the engineering profession. Outside of her engineering career, she is a self-taught artist with a focus on watercolour painting and calligraphy, using creativity as a means of expression and lifelong learning.

Tharika Kahandawa Arachchi is a fourth-year PhD researcher at Western Sydney University, specialising in structural fire engineering and sustainable construction materials. Her research focuses on the application of phase change materials (PCM) and innovative concrete technologies to enhance the fire resistance and thermal performance of structures. Beyond her research, Tharika is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in engineering. She has served as Secretary of the Women of Wisdom (WoW) group for the past four years, leading initiatives that support, connect, and empower women in engineering and STEM. She is also actively involved in engineering education and community outreach through the Indigenous ASPIRE Program and volunteers with Engineers Australia to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM. Through her research, leadership, and outreach activities, Tharika is committed to advancing sustainable engineering solutions while fostering a more diverse and inclusive engineering profession.

Over the past 12 years as principal of Plumpton High School, Tim and his team have successfully transformed Plumpton into a school that is recognised for its focus on building intellectual capacity, developing student leadership, agency and voice, wellbeing and commitment to fostering strong relationships with corporate business partners.  

Tim’s leadership as a principal was recognised at the 2019 Australian Education Awards, when he received the Australian Government School Principal of the Year Award, and, for three years in 2019, 2020 and 2024 Plumpton High School was acknowledged as one of Australia’s most innovative schools. Impressively, in 2021, Plumpton High School was 1 of 100 schools from across the world to present at T4 World Education Week - an initiative designed to provide a platform for schools to share their stories of success whilst coming together to advocate for quality education. In 2022 Plumpton High school was awarded Australian Computer Science School of the Year.

In 2025 Tim was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Distinguished Service Medal and was named as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators in 2025 and 2023. Plumpton High School was also the recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Scheme Whole Year Model Australian Champions for 2023.

In his previous role as Director of Strategic Resourcing, with the NSW Department of Education, Tim helped to lead, develop and implement school funding reform through the Local Schools, Local Decisions program. The program empowered schools to decide how they could best distribute funding to meet students’ needs. In 2018, he was awarded a Commendation Prime Minister’s Award for “Promoting Excellence and Professionalism in Public Administration” for this work. Tim also regularly presents on change processes in schools and was a member of the NSW Secondary Principals Council Executive for 3 years.

As a National Coach for Gymnastics Australia Tim coached an Australian World Champion and World Cup Gold Medallist in 1997.

Peta is a computer science researcher internationally recognised in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI), employing techniques from the fields of interaction and experience design, computer science, psychology and sociology in the design of educational and entertainment technology.

Peta joined UTS in 2023 as the Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. She has a strong record of academic administration and leadership and prior to joining UTS, she was Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Science and Head of School for the School of Computer Science at Queensland University of Technology.

Peta as secured over $37.5M in funding to undertake multidisciplinary HCI research and has led research programs in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child. She was the 2022 Winner of the Women in Technology Professional Technology Leadership Award in recognition for her championing of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Peta holds a Degree in Information Technology (1st Class Honours) and a PhD in Computer Science, both from the University of Queensland.

Sukruti Narayanan is an Australian-based technology strategist, science communicator, author, and social impact leader driving impact across artificial intelligence, media, education, STEAM, and space technology. She is the Founder and President of AIMERS Foundation, a rapidly growing Australian initiative committed to positioning Australia as a global innovation hub by 2050 through research, advocacy, international collaboration, capability building, and youth leadership. 

Sukruti also serves as the Australian Ambassador and Global Head of Partnerships for Mission ShakthiSAT, an all-female-led lunar mission empowering 12,000 girls from 108 countries with hands-on satellite-building training and global leadership exposure. 

As an Expert Reviewer for UNESCO 8th Science Report, she contributes to global discussions on gender equality, science communication, and inclusive innovation. 

She also contributes to multicultural storytelling and public-interest communication through SBS.  

A passionate advocate for purposeful leadership and future-focused ecosystems, Sukruti is the author of three books and has been honoured with the Young Visionary Award and recognition among the Top 10 Women Technologists of India for her contributions to technology, leadership, and social impact.

In Australia, she was conferred the Fellowship of the Teachers’ Guild of NSW — one of the highest honours awarded by the Guild in recognition of distinguished leadership and contributions to education.