Research & Innovation Advisory Committee
Our current Research & Innovation Advisory Committee consists of:
Jeffrey Chan
Jeffrey Chan is a highly respected research practitioner with extensive experience in the disability sector. He has a distinguished career, including establishing research centres and departments across Australia and serving as the inaugural Senior Practitioner at Onemda.
Jeffrey is deeply committed to evidence-based best practices and advancing applied research at the service provider level to achieve meaningful impact. Passionate about inclusivity, he champions the involvement of people with disabilities in all aspects of research and was instrumental in publishing the first-ever easy-read research article in 2023.
With a wealth of national and international research connections, as well as strong ties to government and service providers, Jeffrey brings unparalleled expertise and collaboration to the field.
Michelle Batsas
Michelle Batsas is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in developing and implementing organisational research methodologies, fostering partnerships, and engaging stakeholders to drive strategic research agendas. She is highly regarded for her innovative approach to maximising research value by collaborating with universities and state bodies on large-scale projects and aligning departmental priorities with academic research initiatives.
Passionate about empowering not-for-profit organisations to achieve their missions, Michelle contributes her expertise to refine research priorities, guide implementation plans, and connect with key stakeholders to advance strategic objectives. Her experience and creative problem-solving are invaluable assets to any research and innovation endeavour.
Colin Pudsey
Colin Pudsey is an accomplished entrepreneur and tech innovator, having built a highly successful start-up specialising in VR experiences for the aged care and disability sectors. His groundbreaking VR products are utilised both in Australia and internationally, reflecting his ability to create impactful, scalable solutions.
With extensive connections across the global tech start-up ecosystem, Colin is adept at fostering innovation through mentorship and creating platforms for tech developers to showcase their products. His entrepreneurial mindset and expertise in guiding products from concept to commercialisation make him a dynamic force in technology-driven advancements.
