Professor Melissa Fitzgerald

Acting Head of School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Professor Melissa Fitzgerald enacts the School, Faculty and UQ Vision, cultivates collaborative and productive relationships and delivers outstanding results across the School's core activities. Melissa inspires and leads academic and professional staff, enables delivery of high-quality teaching, research and operational goals in the University and effectively manages the School's resources, governance frameworks and administrative processes. 

As Deputy Associate Dean Research (Research Partnerships), Melissa contributes to enhancing effective engagement of Faculty researchers and their collaborators with external research partners. She drives outcomes including increased ARC Linkage and Category 3 income, enhanced impact, and greater research translation, including commercialisation and the delivery of policies and guidelines.

Melissa provides academic leadership through delivery of high-quality services and facilities for research and teaching in the School’s discipline areas. She is responsible for developing diverse and committed teams of researchers, academics, technicians and professionals who are leaders in their areas of expertise and can share their knowledge through high-quality research and teaching. She also works closely with industry experts, policy-makers and community partners to shape careers, deliver impact to business and government, and benefit wider society.