Theme Champions & Fellows

The Research Theme Champions at Western Sydney University are tasked with creating flexible team structures for collaborative research; developing an overarching vision for their research theme connected to society’s grand challenges; increasing research output and impact in complex and interdisciplinary research areas; mapping of research focus in the University; servicing those areas of research strengths; and, increasing awareness of, capacity within, and alignment with the designated University research themes. Eight Theme Champions have been appointed across the four Research Themes. In addition, one Research Fellow is associated with each Theme to support the research programs initiated by the Theme Champions.

Roles and Responsibilities

Theme Champions are tasked with a range of roles and responsibilities including:

  • Leadership
  • Research Performance
  • Management
  • Governance

Key Activities

Theme Storms

Theme Storms bring together key academics working within a theme area to discuss collaborative research programs and funding opportunities. They also serve as a discovery session for Western’s academics to map out research areas of mutual interest.

Seed Funding

Theme Champions have access to a pool of funding to accelerate existing and seed new collaborative research projects.

See Opportunities for more information.

Champions & Fellows

Research ThemeChampionsFellow
Education & Work

Associate Professor
Katrina Barker

Dr Elisabeth Duursma

Environment & Sustainability

Positions vacant

Dr Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez

Health & Wellbeing

Associate Professor Gabrielle Weidemann

Dr Joyce Siette

Urban Living Futures & Society

Professor Olivia Mirza

Position vacant