Zee Upton

Professor Zee Upton serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She holds a Professorial rank and previously led the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing as Pro Vice-Chancellor. Her career spans academic research, industry collaboration, and strategic innovation leadership. A biochemist and tissue engineer by training, she founded a startup company and contributed to global R&D projects in Australia, Europe, and the USA. Her leadership emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and strategic agility to drive institutional research capacity and community impact.

• Education Background: PhD in Biochemistry, prior roles include CSIRO lab technician and academic researcher.
• Key Focus Areas: Strategic innovation ecosystems, industry-university partnerships, food security (inspired by Singapore's initiatives), renewable energy, healthcare diversification, and regional job creation.
• Community Commitment: Advocates for work-integrated learning, regional economic resilience, and aligning university initiatives with local needs (e.g., Callaghan campus transformation).
• Global Perspective: Experience in Singapore's strategic innovation frameworks and climate resilience strategies.

Her leadership style prioritizes listening, co-creation, and fostering environments where researchers and industry collaborate to solve global challenges. She aims to enhance Newcastle's role as a nexus for innovation-driven economic growth and community development.