Murdoch University has appointed experienced diplomat and former United States Consul General to Western Australia, Siriana Nair, to a senior Global Engagement role.

As Executive Director Strategic Futures, Ms Nair will focus on strengthening the University’s national and global industry partnerships, driving innovation and supporting growth in strategic industries.

Ms Nair served as a senior member of the US Foreign Service for more than two decades in various postings across Asia, South America, North Africa, Washington, D.C., and Australia, where she worked on major initiatives in international security, global partnerships, economic innovation, and emerging technologies.

As United States Consul General to Western Australia from 2022-2025, Ms Nair was at the forefront of the landmark AUKUS partnership, working with Government, defence and industry to roll out the alliance across the State, and supporting its early strategic planning and operational phase.

Ms Nair believes WA’s ground-breaking work in autonomous systems, critical minerals, entrepreneurship, and space research sets it apart as a leader in global innovation.

“Being so remote, I think there’s an attitude of ‘nobody is going to come and solve this for us, so we’re going to have to engineer a solution ourselves’.”

“This has produced a strong track-record of solving globally significant, complex problems through innovation, and that creates enormous potential, particularly in emerging strategic deep tech.”

Ms Nair said she was thrilled to join Murdoch University.

“Whether it’s autonomous systems, critical minerals, science and innovation or biotech, Murdoch’s commitment to both collaboration and leading in the strategic industries of the future is what really drew me here,” she said.

“I look forward to helping strengthen the connection between research, industry and the emerging needs of the future economy.”

Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Peter Eastwood said Ms Nair brings a unique ability to connect research and industry with global opportunities, and that she would help shape Murdoch’s plans for the reactivation of its Rockingham campus.

“Ms Nair brings an exceptional track record at the intersection of policy, defence, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies,” he said.

“Her global experience will help strengthen Murdoch’s research and innovation agenda, particularly in areas where collaboration with industry and government is critical to delivering real-world impact.”

Deputy Vice Chancellor Global Engagement, Professor Simon McKirdy said he was delighted to welcome Ms Nair to Murdoch.

“Ms Nair’s appointment will strengthen our ability to engage with global partners at a time of growing opportunity in Western Australia,” Professor McKirdy said.

“Her experience across AUKUS, international diplomacy, and industry collaboration will help connect Murdoch to key global networks, bring that expertise to the development of our Rockingham campus, and advance other strategic priorities of the University.”