Ellis will serve as the director of research strategy and management.

Rosanne Ellis is being hired as director of research strategy and management at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Her job will be to connect researchers, industry, funding agencies, fundamental and applied research and government.

AUT expects the appointment of Rosanne Ellis and her work to connect all these different actors to lead to products and services developed at the university to inform public policy and lead to successful spin-outs. Her appointment began on August 4th, 2014.

Ellis previously worked for Uniservices, Auckland University’s technology transfer company, for four years. Her career has equipped her with an extensive international network, and she will be tapping into these contacts to help researchers obtain funding from abroad if it cannot be found in New Zealand. This work will be building on her experience leading the Foundation for Research Science and Technology’s Global Expert service, which connects local companies with both New Zealand-based and international experts.

Rosanne Ellis said: “AUT, like New Zealand businesses, is young, dynamic and vibrant with research that can be applied to modern day problems. I want to make sure New Zealand companies are connecting with the best experts locally and internationally. Making the connection and seeing Kiwi companies succeed through the application of research and knowledge to solve real world problems is my passion. As part of that you have students working on projects who in-turn become employees, creating a win-win for the academic environment, teaching and industry. I want to ensure that what is being taught is relevant to industry to produce top graduates.”