Excellence in Leadership

Winner - Academic

Professor Denis Burnham, Leader, Speech and Language Research, MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development

The scale, depth, and quality of research from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development are the result of superb, visionary leadership from Professor Denis Burnham.  The effects of his leadership are evident: in countries around the world where Western Sydney University graduate and postdoctoral researchers hold academic and industry positions; in international laboratories that build on Burnham's creative research methods and scientific discoveries; in local graduates and postdoctoral researchers striving for scientific excellence.  Whether leading a research institute, an undergraduate lecture, or a multi-partner interdisciplinary project, Professor Burnham inspires, breaks new ground and helps everyone success through consultation, collaboration and innovation.  

Winner - Professional

Darlene Williams, Institute Manager, MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development

From her astute decision-making, to her ability to listen, support and guide, Darlene Williams demonstrates excellence in leadership.  Darlene Williams demonstrates excellence in leadership.  Darlene leads by enacting the highest principles of service and professional conduct and modelling honesty, integrity, efficiency, productivity, flexibility, positivity, and direction.  Sensitive to when change is needed, she leads others through uncertainty by communicating frequently and clearly, listening and caring, gathering necessary information or advice and then steering a course to an agreed goal.  She appraises and evaluates processes and shifting work demands regularly and is brilliant at updating processes and her teams' skillsets to meet the changing demands of a large research institute.

Highly Commended

• Dr Ana Hol, Director of Academic Program (Computing/Information Systems), School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics

Nominated

• Karina Foley, Service Owner, Information Technology and Digital Services