Jennifer Smith-Merry

I am an interdisciplinary policy scholar and Professor of Health and Social Policy at the University of Sydney in Australia. From 2018-2024 I was Director of the University’s Centre for Disability Research and Policy (CDRP), which is a large policy-oriented initiative focusing on making life better for people with disability in Australia and our region. I am Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow (2024-2029). My fellowship focuses on creating better policy to shape the Australian AU$45 billion per annum National Disability Insurance Scheme. I have been a member of IPPA since 2016 and am strongly supportive of the international focus of the association, particularly its PhD and early career training, and focus on work across all regions. My PhD and Postdoctoral researchers have attended summer schools and workshops; finding them incredibly helpful in developing skills in policy research. I would bring to IPPA my strong experience as a senior academic leader and member of government and non-government steering committees. Having recently stepped down as Director of CDRP I have time to commit to IPPA to ensure it continues to fulfil its objectives. I am very keen to support the PhD and early career development done by the association.