Deakin University Executive and Leadership Team

James Muritu, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at Deakin University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the Centre for Research for Educational Impact. Muritu architects the long-term research agenda, ensuring alignment with the core themes of social justice, digital learning, and STEM education. By fostering partnerships with policymakers and global educational institutions, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder drives the translation of academic findings into tangible societal improvements. James Muritu maintains rigorous oversight of institutional growth, balancing the pursuit of equitable educational outcomes with the operational requirements of a leading research hub. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine the mission of the organization. Through the promotion of inclusive practices, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder secures the reputation of the institution as a primary authority in educational policy and sustainable societal development.

Oliver Quail, the President at Deakin University, oversees the operational execution of the Diversity and Social Justice in Education research theme. Quail directs the allocation of resources toward projects that address systemic inequalities within educational systems. By facilitating collaboration between researchers and external advocacy groups, the President ensures that academic output directly informs policy reform. Oliver Quail manages the internal governance structures necessary to maintain high standards of research integrity and social impact. This leadership position involves coordinating with other executive leaders to align departmental goals with the overarching mission of the institution. Through the implementation of rigorous evaluation frameworks, the President monitors the effectiveness of research initiatives. Quail drives the development of sustainable practices that empower learners, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of educational innovation and social progress.

Michaela Grima, the President at Deakin University, leads the strategic development of the Education Governance and Policy for Sustainable Societies theme. Grima architects research frameworks that analyze the intersection of policy, governance, and sustainable societal growth. By engaging with international regulatory bodies and educational authorities, the President influences the creation of equitable policy standards. Michaela Grima manages the integration of cross-disciplinary research teams, ensuring that findings remain relevant to current global challenges. This role requires constant interaction with the executive team to synchronize research priorities with institutional objectives. Through the application of evidence-based methodologies, the President supports the design of robust educational systems. Grima drives the expansion of the institutional footprint, ensuring that the research produced by the organization provides actionable solutions for policymakers seeking to build more resilient and inclusive societies.

Ashan De Silva, the President at Deakin University, directs the Learners in a Digital World research theme. De Silva architects initiatives focused on the evolution of digital pedagogy and the impact of technology on student engagement. By analyzing trends in digital literacy and access, the President ensures that research findings address the needs of diverse learner populations. Ashan De Silva manages the partnerships with technology providers and educational institutions to pilot innovative learning solutions. This leadership role involves coordinating with the broader executive team to ensure that digital research remains central to the institutional mission. Through the promotion of inclusive digital practices, the President supports the development of equitable learning environments. De Silva drives the translation of complex digital research into practical tools for educators, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in an increasingly connected and technological global landscape.

Ayu Chan, the Founder & President at Deakin University, provides the foundational vision for the STEM Education for Sustainable Futures research theme. Chan architects the strategic roadmap for integrating sustainability into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curricula. By fostering connections between academic researchers and industry leaders, the Founder & President ensures that STEM education remains relevant to the demands of a sustainable future. Ayu Chan manages the high-level oversight of research projects that aim to increase participation in STEM fields among underrepresented groups. This role involves constant collaboration with the executive team to align research outcomes with the long-term goals of the institution. Through the promotion of innovative teaching methodologies, the Founder & President drives the advancement of STEM capabilities. Chan secures the institutional commitment to fostering a generation of learners equipped to solve complex global sustainability challenges.

Paulasta Majumdar, the President at Deakin University, oversees the operational scaling of research capabilities across all four thematic areas. Majumdar directs the administrative and financial processes that support the research staff in achieving their objectives. By optimizing internal workflows and resource distribution, the President ensures that the institution maintains a high output of impactful educational research. Paulasta Majumdar manages the relationships with funding bodies and institutional partners to secure the necessary support for ongoing projects. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the executive team to ensure that operational efficiency supports the strategic mission. Through the implementation of robust project management systems, the President monitors the progress of research initiatives. Majumdar drives the development of internal capabilities, ensuring that the organization possesses the infrastructure required to deliver high-quality, socially just, and equitable educational solutions to a global audience.

Matthew Edge, the Chief Marketing Officer at Deakin University, manages the dissemination of research outcomes to global stakeholders and educational partners. Edge designs comprehensive communication strategies that highlight the impact of the Centre for Research for Educational Impact on digital learning and social justice. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of research initiatives across international markets, ensuring that policymakers and educators access critical findings. Matthew Edge coordinates with internal research teams to translate complex academic data into accessible narratives for diverse audiences. This role requires constant monitoring of market trends to maintain the visibility of the institution. Through strategic branding and outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer elevates the profile of the organization, ultimately supporting the broader mission of fostering equitable and inclusive educational environments on a global scale.