The Executive Director, Research Strategy leads the development and implementation of University-wide research strategies and policies designed to enhance the University of Melbourne's global research standing and impact, and stewards the implementation of the Advancing Research strategy within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Portfolio.
Dr Katherine Nesbitt is the Acting Executive Director, Research Strategy, and concurrently serves as Director, Major Research Investment, where she oversees the strategic investment budget of the DVC-R. She is responsible for the incubation and evaluation of large-scale research initiatives, ensuring they align with the University’s long-term ambitions and deliver significant return on investment.
With over 15 years of experience in senior leadership at the University, Dr Nesbitt has held key roles across Chancellery and various academic divisions, including the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Her expertise spans strategic planning, financial management, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
Dr Nesbitt holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Tasmania and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Education and a Graduate Certificate of University Management (Higher Education Management) from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Business (Marketing and Communications) from Monash University. She is a Vice-Chancellor Representative on the Council of Graduate House and is committed to fostering a collaborative research culture that drives excellence across all disciplines.