Gender-based violence committee

Ms Anne-Marie Lansdown

Chair

Anne-Marie Lansdown is an experienced executive who has worked in government in the education and research sectors nationally and internationally. As a senior executive in the Education, Industry and Communications departments she developed a deep understanding of higher education and research policy. In the international space, she worked on multiple bilateral science and technology agreements, OECD committees, and UN summits.

Anne-Marie was one of the architects of Australia’s national research infrastructure program, NCRIS, developing three of the national NCRIS roadmaps. These were augmented by the Education Investment Fund and the Super Science funding. The NCRIS is a highly collaborative and distinctively Australian program which maximises Australia’s research infrastructure investments by coordinating open access, targeted specialities, and co-funding across the country.

Over her period in government, she worked with five of the past six Chief Scientists, most recently as Chief of Staff to former Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel.

As Deputy Chief Executive at Universities Australia over seven years, she was responsible for managing the higher education policy agenda for the advocacy group.

She currently sits on the boards of the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC), Cooperative Research Australia (CRA) and the Australian National Imaging Facility (ANIF). As Chair of the Marine National Facility (MNF), she is able to follow the powerful science being generated by Australia’s marine researchers. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

As a lifelong Canberran, she has followed the progress of the University of Canberra over the decades. The university’s important focus on the Canberra community and support for the development of our professional workforce is a source of pride. She is honoured to be part of the University of Canberra enterprise.

Dr Nicole Vlahovich

Elected General Staff

Term: 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027

Dr Nicole Vlahovich is the professional staff member representative on Council. She is an experienced research leader and science professional who brings extensive expertise in biomedical research, high performance sport, and research management to the University Council. She currently serves as Manager, Research Services in the Faculty of Health at the University of Canberra, a role she has held since 2019, providing strategic oversight and support for the Faculty’s research activities and partnerships.

With a career spanning government, academia, and sport, Nicole has contributed to national level research and policy through senior roles at Sport Australia, including Medical Science Research Manager, where she led projects supporting athlete health, performance, and wellbeing. Her earlier scientific career includes research roles with the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and post doctoral work at the Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute.

A committed contributor to the broader community, Nicole has served on boards and committees, including with Women’s Centre for Health Matters and Gymnastics Australia, where she supported governance and high performance programs. Her background as an accomplished acrobatics coach and judge further reflects her long-standing engagement in athlete development and community sport.

Nicole holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Western Sydney, specialising in cytoskeletal and muscle disease research. Through her blend of scientific expertise, governance experience, and commitment to evidence informed decision making, Nicole brings valuable insight to the University Council. Her leadership supports the University of Canberra’s mission to advance impactful research, strengthen community connections, and foster excellence across teaching and innovation.