2026 CONFERENCE SUB-COMMITTEE
Thank you to the ARMS 2026 Conference Sub-Committee!​
New to the Conference? We've got you covered!
​
The ARMS 2026 Conference Sub-Committee is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive space for everyone—especially if you’re new to the sector or attending your very first ARMS conference.
To make your experience enjoyable and stress-free, our amazing sub-committee members have volunteered as your 'point of contact'! They’re here to answer your questions, guide you through the program, and help you connect with others. Whether you’re feeling a little unsure or simply want to make the most of your time, they’re ready to support you every step of the way.
​
Scroll down to meet your friendly contacts!
Co-Convenors
Michelle Duryea (Fellow of ARMS)
Edith Cowan University
Jennifer Luplow
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
Sub-Committee Members
Dr Amanda Cleaver
​The Kids Research Institute Australia
Associate Director
Anne Coco
University of Melbourne​
Dr Talia Crockett
Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka
Dr Lahiru Gangoda
Centre For Eye Research Australia
Preeta Philip
​University of Melbourne
Jo Preston
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation
Vesna Stefanovski
​La Trobe University
Rakhi Verma
Nanyang Technological University
Christina Zhang
University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
I’m the kind of person who genuinely loves helping people feel at ease, which is why you’ll find me happily answering questions, pointing you in the right direction, or helping you track down the elusive Session 3B. As a Perth local and someone who’s naturally more on the introverted side, I know how reassuring it can be to have a calm, friendly point of contact in a busy environment. So, if you need a quiet check‑in, a quick chat between sessions, or someone to help decode the program, come say hello. I promise: no question is too small, too quirky, or too last‑minute.
Amanda Cleaver
I am based in Melbourne and have been part of the ARMS community for the past decade. This will be the 6th ARMS conference that I have attended, when I attend an ARMS conference it is always a highlight of my year. As part of the Conference sub-committee for the upcoming conference in Perth, I am looking forward to connecting with colleagues old and new. I have never visited Perth before so also looking forward to seeing all the wonderful things Perth has to offer. My specialty area is research grant management, and I have recently played a key role in supporting the development and implementation of a new research management system at my institution. I really enjoy bringing people together and helping foster valuable connections across the research management community— so don’t hesitate to say hello 😊
Associate Director
Anne Coco​
Hello, and welcome! This is only my second ARMS conference (and my second time in Australia!), and I'm excited to be here. I may know even fewer people here than you do, so I'd love to chat! I'm a Canadian who has called New Zealand home for the past decade, so if you'd like to know what it's like to live in beautiful Wellington (or freezing cold Canada!), please come say hello.
Dr Talia Crockett
A very warm welcome to anyone who may be attending their first ARMS conference! I know conferences can potentially feel a bit overwhelming – especially the first one. As one of this year’s Co-Convenors, I may be moving between sessions and responsibilities, but please know that I’m always happy to be approached. As an extroverted introvert, I genuinely enjoy connecting with people one-on-one, so if you see me around, feel free to say hello, ask a question, or let me know how your experience is going. We truly hope you feel comfortable, supported, and a valued part of our community.
Since this is my first ARMS conference, I’m really excited to meet people from across the research management world and swap ideas, stories, and tips. I’m a Melburnian, originally from Sri Lanka, and I can’t wait to explore Perth—it’ll be my first time there! I’m a dog lover and a fan of spicy food, so if you’re looking for a conversation starter, asking about my dog or favourite spicy dish is always a winner. If you’d like to chat, grab lunch, or need a hand navigating the program, please feel free to come say hi anytime
Michelle Duryea
Dr Lahiru Gangoda
As one of the co-convenors for the conference I’m delighted to welcome all our attendees—and a special shout-out to those joining us for their very first ARMS conference! Conferences are all about learning, sharing, and connecting, and I absolutely love meeting new people and having a good chat.
​
If you spot me between sessions or at a networking event, please come say hello! Whether you have a question, want to share your thoughts, or just feel like a quick conversation, I’m always happy to connect. Let’s make this conference not only informative but enjoyable and full of great connections.
Powered by caffeine, I am a natural organiser of chaos, and an accidental collector of browser tabs. I somehow manage to be both the calm in the storm and the storm that gets things moving. So if you need someone to calm you in the midst of the conference “storm”, please reach out, I’d love to get to know you.
Jennifer Luplow
Preeta Philip​
I attended my first ARMS Conference in Singapore in 2015 and, perhaps like many first‑timers, arrived with a healthy dose of imposter syndrome. This will be my third ARMS conference, and I’m thrilled to be contributing to the Perth event as part of the sub‑committee. I’m looking forward to connecting with other attendees and supporting you in any way that I can. As Centre Manager of a large research centre, I take pride in being the go‑to person when someone needs assistance—no matter how large or small the request may seem, I thrive on the challenge of finding the answer. Please come and say hello, whether it’s in the coffee line or between sessions, I am always up for a chat.
Jo Preston
I am an ambivert who loves connecting with people and helping where I can. Life has made me patient, grounded, and genuinely open to meaningful conversations. I am easygoing, diligent, and always happy to listen.
I look forward to meeting many of you at the conference and beyond. If you would like a brief check-in, a conversation between sessions, or simply a warm and approachable interaction, please feel free to reach out.
Melbourne based and completely convinced it is the most beautiful city in the world, I have been part of ARMS for more than ten years. As Co-Convenor of the 2025 ARMS Conference, I may be slightly biased in saying these events are a true highlight of my year, and I hope they are yours as well. I work across major research initiatives and partnerships and, as part of the 2026 Conference Sub-Committee, I will be here as a friendly point of contact for delegates, especially those attending for the first time. As an Eastern European, I bring a grounded, people-focused approach and genuinely enjoy helping others feel welcome and connected, so if you need help navigating the program or simply want a warm introduction to the anyone in the ARMS community, please come and say hello.
Vesna Stefanovski
I’m an extroverted introvert, which basically means I can look like I’ve got this conference under control… while secretly wishing I could vanish into the crowd. I still remember my first ARMS in 2017 — which was both excited and overwhelmed! If you need someone to wander between sessions with, grab a bite, find your way, or just take a breather, come find me — I’ll be easy to spot with my special green lanyard. Not sure how to start a conversation? Simply ask me, “What’s been the highlight of your week?” — or if that feels too formal, you can also mention about Les Mills, hiking adventures, solo travel stories, or performing at the Santa Parade. I promise, you’ll see my eyes light up.
Rakhi Verma
Christina Zhang