Professor Karen Hapgood

Biography

Professor Karen Hapgood is an experienced and respected executive leader, who leads the development and implementation of Swinburne's Research strategy and builds impactful research partnerships to further Swinburne’s research nationally and globally. Her career has included over seven years of industry experience in Australia and the United States, followed by 15 years of leadership roles in the higher education sector, all based around a common thread of manufacturing and STEM. 

Prior to joining Swinburne, Karen was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment and Dean of Engineering at Deakin University. Karen is a renowned researcher in the fields of chemical engineering and pharmaceutical manufacturing, a Fellow of ATSE, IChemE, RACI and Engineers Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion in research, engineering and STEM.