Professor James Arvanitakis is the Director of the Forrest Research Foundation which brings together the five Western Australian-based universities to attract world class early career researchers to the state, link with government and industry, and confront the world's grand challenges. He was formerly the Pro Vice Chancellor (Engagement and Advancement) at Western Sydney University, Principal Consultant at the Astrolabe Group, and Executive Director of Fulbright Australia. After a successful career in finance and human rights, he has worked with universities for more than 15 years establishing innovative education and research programs including The Academy at Western (awarded the Australian Financial Review Excellence in Education Award).