As Director of Research Services, Louise Fleck and her team have supported Macquarie’s researchers through over a decade of change, as the University’s trajectory towards the top 150 in the world gathered speed.

Sadly, Louise leaves Macquarie at the end of this month to take up a role with national sustainability alliance Lock the Gate. So, before she heads out of the Macquarie gate for the last time, we wanted to acknowledge Louise’s contribution with a few thanks from around the University.

“Louise leaves Macquarie as one of the sector’s most experienced research directors, building an outstanding Research Services unit that optimised resources and generated a strong focus on Macquarie researchers and their successes. During her time at Macquarie, external research income more than doubled from $33 million in 2009 to $80+ million – a fabulous result for Macquarie. She instigated several innovations and systems improvements to ensure support for our academics. In doing so, Louise leaves a positive and enduring legacy that will continue to serve Macquarie in our discovery mission. Louise has been an integral member of the DVCR team – she has always provided dependable, supportive, encouraging, and honest contributions during her time here. Her presence will definitely be missed.”
– Professor Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) 

“Louise was, and will continue to be, the consummate leader of a central services group.  She always tried to push as little work onto us, her clients, but was quick to ask for our input when she thought it would help.  More importantly, whenever I needed help, she was even quicker to simply identify the problem and cooperatively come up with solutions.  And she always did it with fun and style….fashion style, as well.”
– Professor Mike Heimlich, School of Engineering

“Under Louise’s leadership Macquarie has seen a huge amount of improvement in research management systems. Implementation of PURE, ONIT, Ethics, RADAR systems and online forms has improved the support provided by Research Services to academics and Research Offices in faculties. A lot of work has been done on the development of systems and support to capture and report engagement activities and the realised benefits of Macquarie research beyond academe. Louise has been a champion of professional development for research administration staff across Macquarie, resulting in a very skilled workforce and high quality of research support.”
– Agnieszka Baginska, Research Manager, Macquarie Business School

“Louise was key in the development of the processes that support the University’s ERA, and Engagement and Impact submissions. She had a leadership role in the delivery of a new Research Hub program, which significantly enhanced Macquarie’s research grants management systems and processes. I have enjoyed working with Louise as she is someone I could always rely on to provide great advice, support and mentorship.”
– Semira Dautovic, Manager, Post-Award and Reporting, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) 

 The Deputy Vice-Chancellor is pleased to announce Dr Ross McClennan as the University’s Executive Director of Research Services, commencing on 20 October.  Stay tuned to This Week to learn more about Dr McLennan, who will be joining us from Griffith University.