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Angus Acton-Cavanough
External Relations Officer at DFAT South AustraliaExternal Relations - Strategic Comms - Trade & Economic Advocacy
Benjamin Cherry-Smith
PhD Candidate at The University of AdelaideBenjamin is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide in the Department of Politics and International Relations. His current research focuses on the role of the US-Australia alliance has culturally influenced Australia's foreign policy since 1951. He has previously completed a Master of Arts (research) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, a Master of International Relations (coursework) and a Bachelor of Government and International Relations at Griffith University, and a Graduate Diploma of Public Policy from the University of Tasmania. He has previously worked within Defence in uniformed and civilian capacities, with the US Consulate in Melbourne, and with the university as a tutor, marker, and lecturer. He also has an extensive work history as a volunteer Editor with Australian and international organisations focusing on International Affairs.
Dr Minerva Nasser-Eddine
Professor at The University of Adelaide,MENA Political & Social Risk Consultant, Researcher
Kate Rush
Project Director of the Office of the Chief Operating OfficerProject Director at the University of Adelaide
Professor Nicola Sasanelli AM
Chairman & founder of Agora High-TechNicola graduated from the University of Bari, Italy with a degree in Electronic Engineering. He started his career as a researcher in microelectronics high-reliability components before being appointed as Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Canberra from 2001 to 2008.
In 2009, Nicola joined the South Australian Government as a Special Envoy for higher education research and technology transfer to Europe and later became Director for International R&D Collaborations.
In September 2017 the South Australian Space Industry Centre was established with Nicola as Director. His focus was to support space industry growth and increase international R&D
collaborations in South Australia’s space sector. As South Australian Government in 2016 he
published the ‘Space Innovation and Growth Strategy (South Australia) Action Plan 2016-2020’ launching important initiatives such as the Space Capability Directory; SA Space Council; Australian Space Forum, etc..
In 2019 he was instrumental in establishing the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre and in 2020 he founded, and for about three years was the CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
In January 2023 he established the ‘Agora High-Tech’ and is now the current Chairman. ‘Agora High-Tech’ is a private consultancy company focused on enhancing collaborations and encouraging networking which aims to bring a significant advantage to the innovation processes.
From 2003 to 2013 he was appointed as Adjunct Professor of Science and Technology at the
University of Canberra, Australia, from 2018 to 2022 at University of South Australia. In 2007 he became an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia and in 2018 he was appointed on the board of the Space Industry Association of Australia.
Ian D'Arcy Walsh
Managing Director of AMICI ConsultingD'Arcy has successfully undertaken many leadership roles in a wide range of fields over the last 45
years. Since 2015 his roles in Rotary have been instrumental in major changes in the organisation
at the local, state, national and international levels with the roles utilising his skills in project and
change management and strategic planning.
Internationally he has been involved in development projects in over twenty different countries
spanning South-East Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Middle East and Central Asia.
He was the Australian Project Director for nine years of the highly acclaimed Australian Government
funded “Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao” or BEAM Project in the Southern Philippines
where his performance as Australian Director / Team Leader was consistently ranked as one of
“best practice” by AusAID.
His 31 years of international project work followed a distinguished career in education and training
in the South Australian and Australian education systems. He has been a teacher, curriculum
writer, lecturer and trainer, teacher educator and assessment and examinations
administrator/specialist.