Flinders University, Australia. Professor Eugene Sebastian has been appointed executive director, international research strategy at Flinders University. This new role focuses on building and growing global research partnerships. His work brings together international education, research and international development. He focuses on turning research into policy by connecting universities with government, industry and communities to address complex challenges. Eugene has held senior roles at Monash University, RMIT University and the University of Sydney. He also led the Australia-Indonesia Centre, a consortium of 11 universities. Upon his appointment, Eugene said: “International research partnerships need to be more focused, more reciprocal and more clearly connected to practical outcomes. My focus is on helping Flinders build deep, globally relevant partnerships.”