Victorian Lead Scientist Leonie Walsh honoured at Swinburne

veski connection member Leonie Walsh

Swinburne University of Technology has awarded an honorary doctorate to Victorian Lead Scientist Leonie Walsh.

Ms Walsh, who is a veski connection member and a supporter of a range of veski programs, has extensive experience in management and commercialisation of research.

Over a career spanning 25 years, she has worked both in Australia and internationally, building a reputation for driving strategic commercial improvements and innovation in the organisations in which she has worked.

veski chief executive officer Ms Julia Page offered veski's congratulations on the honour from Swinburne, and added that Ms Walsh had been an active supporter of veski, including the new inspiring women program.

Prior to her appointment to the Lead Scientist position, Ms Walsh worked for Visy Industries and South East Melbourne Water in Victoria, and internationally for Henkel and Dow Chemical.

She has led R&D groups with direct involvement in technical service, new product development, material sciences, characterisation and process research. She has also provided support to technology-based start-up companies.

Ms Walsh has a Bachelor of Science, a Graduate Diploma and a Master of Science in Applied Science from Swinburne.

“Ms Walsh is a prolific contributor to the public debate about the role of innovation and a passionate advocate for the role of women in science, technology and innovation,” Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson said.

“She has frequently acknowledged the quality of her educational experience at Swinburne and, in particular, the benefit of her Industry Based Learning experience.

“Her contributions and leadership in scientific enterprises, innovation and the community are most aptly recognised through the awarding of this honorary doctorate.”