Advisors
Mentors and advisors who support AIMERS Foundation's mission with their expertise and guidance.
T. S. Krishnamurthy
Advisor
T. S. Krishnamurthy (Taruvai Subayya Krishnamurthy) is one of India’s most distinguished civil servants, best known for serving as the 13th Chief Election Commissioner of India (2004–2005). With a career spanning over 36 years in public service, he is widely respected for his integrity, administrative excellence, and contributions to democratic governance, financial systems, and institutional reform. A gold medalist in History, Economics, and Political Science from the University of Mysore and a postgraduate in Fiscal Studies from the University of Bath, UK, he began his career in the Indian Revenue Service in 1963 and rose through key leadership roles including Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Mumbai), Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, and Secretary of the Department of Company Affairs. He made history as the first IRS officer to become both Secretary to the Government of India and Chief Election Commissioner. As CEC, he successfully oversaw India’s 2004 General Elections—one of the largest democratic exercises in the world—while strengthening institutional credibility and advancing the nationwide adoption of electronic voting machines, a landmark step in modernising India’s electoral process. His contributions also extend to financial governance, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Investor Education and Protection Fund, and to international economic diplomacy through his involvement in Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with multiple countries. Beyond India, he has served as an advisor to the International Monetary Fund in countries such as Ethiopia and Georgia and has participated as an international observer in major elections, including those in the United States. Appointed by the Supreme Court of India to conduct elections for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, he has consistently been entrusted with assignments requiring neutrality and institutional credibility. Post-retirement, he has continued to contribute as Chairman and board member of several organisations, including Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Chennai), Repco Home Finance, and Sriram Life Insurance, while also engaging in academic, policy, and public discourse. An author of works such as Miracles of Democracy and Beyond the Ballot: Paradoxes of Democracy, he is regarded as a thought leader on governance, electoral systems, and democratic resilience.
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Tim Roberts
Advisor
Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts has contributed to the University of Newcastle for 54 years. As President of the Hunter Innovation & Science Hub (HISH), Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM FRSN provides clear strategic leadership for the region’s flagship STEM-engagement organisation. He drives HISH’s vision to build an inquisitive, future-focused Hunter community through science, innovation, and hands-on learning. He forges partnerships across schools, universities, industry, and community groups to expand access to STEM opportunities. He also serves as a respected public advocate, helping secure grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic support for HISH programs.
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Jessie Reis
Advisor
Jessie has a military background and is a graduate of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), holding a Bachelor of History and International Political Studies. She has almost completed a Masters of Logistics Management, also through UNSW and is commencing a Masters of Maritime Policy with the University of Wollongong in 2026. Jessie is passionate about the development of young Australians and is committed to applying creative, forward-thinking approaches to deliver meaningful outcomes that support diverse learning journeys.
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B. Srinivasaprabhu
Advisor
B. Srinivasaprabhu is a distinguished parliamentary expert and former Joint Secretary of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India, having served the Indian Parliament with distinction for over three decades in one of its most senior administrative and legislative roles. During his tenure, he played a critical role in guiding and managing parliamentary proceedings, including the drafting of Private Members’ Bills and advising on the admissibility of notices submitted by Members of Parliament for participation in parliamentary debates and proceedings. He also oversaw key operational aspects of the Lok Sabha’s legislative processes and worked closely with Parliamentary Committees, contributing to the strengthening of democratic governance and legislative practice. A respected faculty member and lecturer, Mr. Srinivasaprabhu has delivered training programs and lectures to a wide range of audiences, including senior officials from foreign parliaments, Indian Administrative Service and government officers, Members of Legislative Assemblies across Indian states, and university students of political science. His international exposure includes specialized training in Legislative Drafting in New Orleans, USA, and diplomatic engagement with the Parliament of Maldives to explore areas of parliamentary cooperation and institutional development. He has also led and coordinated major democratic engagement initiatives, including the Commonwealth Youth Parliament involving representatives from nearly 30 countries, as well as numerous Youth Parliament programs across India, nurturing the next generation of democratic leaders. Mr. Srinivasaprabhu also served as the officer in charge of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), travelling extensively across India alongside Members of Parliament to oversee implementation and impact. His association with Presiding Officers’ Conferences and parliamentary institutional forums further reflects his deep commitment to strengthening legislative systems and democratic participation. As Advisor to the AIMERS Foundation, Mr. Srinivasaprabhu brings invaluable expertise in governance, public policy, democratic institutions, and youth civic engagement, helping guide AIMERS’ mission to empower communities through AI, Media, Emerging Technologies, Robotics, STEAM and Space Technology.
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Vinita Chanan
Advisor — Strategic Partnership
Vinita Chanan is the Executive Director, University Strategy at UNSW Sydney. She heads up the Strategy Office, working on implementation of UNSW's institutional strategy. Previously, she was Director and Executive Lead, Strategic Alliances and Initiatives, responsible for developing impactful domestic and global partnerships and alliances in diverse sectors including engineering, health, digital education, quantum technologies and climate. Vinita also led the development of UNSW’s Greater Sydney Strategy until July 2025. Her previous experience spans over 25 years in higher education with roles including industry and government engagement on research, bid development and program management for international aid projects with multilateral and bilateral agencies, philanthropy, government and industry. Vinita has had a career as a researcher in environmental management. She holds an MBA and a Master of Environmental Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Rocío Caparrós
Global Strategy Advisor
Rocío Caparrós is an independent expert in space policy, global governance, gender equality, and international outreach. She brings a strategic, cross-border perspective to AIMERS Foundation, helping to connect education, innovation, and community impact with global space and policy ecosystems.
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Triambak Sharma
Advisor
Triambak Sharma is a distinguished Indian cartoonist, editor, and cultural promoter who has played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting the art of cartooning in India and beyond. Known for his visionary leadership and deep commitment to creative expression, he has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the Indian cartooning community. He is a Science/Maths graduate with a Diploma in Journalism and is known for publishing India’s longest running cartoon magazine, Cartoon Watch, for three decades. Cartoon Watch has not only showcased cartoons but has also documented the history, evolution, and diversity of the art form. He organised a 15-day cartoon exhibition at Nehru Centre London (2008) and represented India at the Global Cartoonist Forum in Paris, France, alongside cartoonists from 36 countries (2019).
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Tibor Molnar
Advisor
Tibor Molnar is an accomplished autodidact whose career spans science, technology, research, and philosophy. He initially studied Chemical Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and worked in industrial chemistry across the paint, rustproofing, and electroplating industries before moving into computing, where he led technology operations as Head of Computer Operations at Zurich Insurance for eleven years, followed by similar roles at BMA and FAI Insurance. From 1989 to 2003, he co-founded and operated a boutique corporate research library with his late wife, providing specialised research services primarily to the advertising and marketing sectors. After retiring from full-time professional roles, he pursued his long-standing interest in philosophy, teaching Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education between 2005 and 2018. In 2017 he was invited to become an Honorary Affiliate in Philosophy at the University of Sydney, and in 2020 he was elected a Member of the Royal Society of New South Wales. He has delivered guest lectures at UNSW, Boston University, Newington College, and other educational institutions, as well as numerous public lectures for philosophy societies and community organisations. He also moderates a monthly philosophy café in Glebe, fostering public engagement with philosophical ideas. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to inquiry, critical thinking, and communicating ideas across disciplines, bringing a deeply interdisciplinary perspective to his advisory role with AIMERS Foundation.
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Dr Frederick Osman
Advisor — STEM Ecosystem Development & Collaboration
Dr Frederick Osman is a highly respected educational leader with over 30 years of distinguished experience across tertiary and secondary education, recognised for driving transformative initiatives that shape educational practice, strengthen governance, and improve student outcomes. His leadership spans the education, community, and industry sectors, where he has successfully led cross-functional teams, developed strategic partnerships, and collaborated with a broad range of stakeholders to advance innovation and excellence in education. Throughout his career, Dr Osman has played a significant role in shaping academic direction, curriculum development, and educational policy. He has led the design and implementation of innovative academic and enterprise education programs that bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and industry experience needed for contemporary and future workplaces. His expertise in managing complex educational portfolios, fostering industry engagement, and developing real-world learning opportunities has contributed substantially to the advancement of enterprise education across multiple sectors. Dr Osman currently serves as Associate Director (Academic) for the Boston University Study Abroad Sydney Program, where he oversees academic governance, program development, faculty, internships, and the operational management of academic initiatives. In this role, he ensures the delivery of academically rigorous and globally engaged programs that integrate experiential learning with international education. Beyond his institutional leadership, Dr Osman has made extensive contributions to the broader education sector through governance, advocacy, and professional engagement. He has worked extensively on educational policy, governance structures, and curriculum initiatives that support both students and educators, while also leading conferences, workshops, and educational forums that foster collaboration across local and international networks. His work has been particularly influential in strengthening partnerships between education, industry, and community organisations across Greater Western Sydney and beyond. Dr Osman is recognised as a Fellow and President of the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales, a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics, reflecting his sustained commitment to ethical leadership, educational excellence, and scholarly contribution. Through his leadership roles, advocacy, and commitment to innovation, he continues to make a lasting impact on education in Australia and internationally.
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Swarnajyoti Mukherjee
Advisor - Startup Commercialisation
Swarnajyoti Mukherjee is a commercialization and business strategy professional with a strong track record across the Space and DeepTech sectors, spanning both industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystems. With experience across upstream and downstream space domains, he has worked at the intersection of technology, market development, fundraising, policy, and strategic growth. In his role as a Commercialisation Officer at the European Space Agency, he advises European governments and innovation stakeholders on how to translate advanced technologies into viable commercial opportunities, while also supporting investment and ecosystem development across Europe. His journey reflects a rare blend of industrial experience and entrepreneurial understanding. Over the years, he has worked closely with startups, researchers, institutions, governments, and investors to help technically strong ventures sharpen their business models, strengthen commercialization pathways, and improve their readiness for funding, partnerships, and market entry. He has mentored more than 50+ DeepTech startups, assessed 200+ startups proposals, including ventures connected to international incubators (from USA, Europe, and India) and innovation platforms (from Industry in USA to Government India's Start-Ups initiatives), and brings a practical understanding of what it takes to move from technology potential to commercial traction. Drawing from experience in ESA environments, Indian Government initiatives, EU Institutes (Commission, Finance, etc.), USA's Space Industry, and broader European innovation networks, Swarnajyoti is particularly known for bridging the gap between technical capability and strategic execution. His work is shaped by a strong belief that innovation alone is not enough, and that long-term impact comes from combining industrial insight, entrepreneurial thinking, and commercialization discipline.
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Dr Fatemeh Salehi
Advisor — Engineering Impact
Dr Fatemeh Salehi is Associate Dean, Engagement and Sustainability in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University, and Hub Chair for the United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal 15. With expertise in thermofluid modelling, her research focuses on low-carbon energy solutions, particularly data-driven models that support the safe, efficient and scalable deployment of clean energy technologies such as hydrogen. Her work has informed several national and international policies and standards that enable hydrogen scale-up. She is also an Executive Committee member of the Combustion Institute, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the $329 million Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, and Chair of the Macquarie Park Sustainability Community of Practice, contributing to sustainability through industry partnerships and community engagement.
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Michele Lemmens
Advisor for Corporate Affairs
Michele Lemmens is Founder of The Longevity Lens and a senior executive with a track record of igniting and delivering strategic and operational outcomes across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. She has established and scaled eight strategic ventures from concept across corporate, startup, academic, non-profit, and government ecosystems, shaping vision, designing innovative models, and building partnerships to unlock shared value across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, the UK, New Zealand, and wider Asia. Most recently APAC CTO and Head of Business Sustainability at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Michele has partnered with C-suite leaders across mature and emerging markets to drive impact at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation. Her work spans pioneering ESG initiatives, building innovation ecosystems, and launching purpose-driven ventures globally, including establishing a women-only business process centre in Saudi Arabia. She is known for bringing structure to complexity and momentum to ideas that matter, consistently translating ambition into tangible outcomes. As Founder of The Longevity Lens, Michele works at the intersection of longevity, productivity, and the future of work, connecting policy, commercial, and academic perspectives to reframe how organisations think about growth, equity, resilience, and value creation. Beyond her executive roles, Michele has advised boards and businesses and has volunteered her time to support foundations, accelerators, and academic institutions. She supports expanding opportunity for the next generation through her work with Mentor Walks and Lean In Girls in Sydney. She is passionate about harnessing her diverse experience for purposeful, systemic change. She remains committed to enabling future leaders, with a strong belief in helping young people find their place within STEM and the startup and innovation ecosystems, a conviction closely aligned with AIMERS’ mission and reflective of how she chooses to contribute.
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