Advisory Board
Australia’s leading research and development experts
The Advisory Board brings together some of Australia’s leading research and development experts, and is responsible for providing direction and advice, approving projects recommended for Defence Innovation Partnership funding and identifying opportunities for growth and further development.
The Advisory Board comprises members representing each of the five member organisations and plus independent industry members organisations.
Sharon Wilson (Chair) – Special Counsel – Industry and Innovation
After spending almost 35 years in defence industry, Sharon brings extensive experience in working with industry, academia and government to deliver real capability to the Australian Department of Defence.
Working at BAE Systems, Sharon held many positions including Continuous Naval Shipbuilding (CNS) Strategy Director. Sharon was responsible for the CNS and (AIC) Strategy and Plans for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. Her role included responsibility for the Maritime Innovation program, the governance and measurement framework for CNS and AIC and the Exports and Future Business strategy and growth. Sharon also previously held leadership roles in project management, procurement, estimating and as the General Manager of the BAE Systems Global Supply Chain program and Head of Industrial Strategy.
Sharon is a member of the Flinders University Advisory Council and a member of the Universities Executive Committee.
Sharon understands the breadth and depth of Australian industry capability and the power of collaboration with Defence across academia, research, primes, and small and medium-sized enterprises. She brings an enthusiastic and holistic approach to Defence and industry collaborations that will support the needs of Defence now and into the future.
Ryan McClenaghan – Director: Defence and Space – University of South Australia
Ryan McClenaghan is the Director: Defence and Space at the University of South Australia. Ryan leads the Defence and Space team, tasked with growing the research and education footprint of UniSA in these sectors whilst ensuring we maximise the significant opportunity presented by the creation of Adelaide University.
Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ryan moved to Australia in 2006, co-founding two start-up companies and working in various roles in the intervening years, including with the Australian Industry Group and Micro-X, an award-winning ASX-listed x-ray technology company.
Ryan made a substantial impact in his most recent role as Director, Defence and National Security at Fleet Space Technologies, one of Australia’s leading satellite companies with a global presence. During his three-year tenure at Fleet, Ryan secured millions of dollars in defence contracts, establishing and leading the Fleet Defence area, driving the company’s growth in the sector. During his time at Fleet, Ryan secured the company’s first defence contract, and later led international partnerships with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU). Through his leadership, Fleet Ryan has fostered strong international connections, particularly within the United States and United Kingdom and developed strategic partnerships between industry and academia on pivotal space and defence related programs.
