Announcement of new NSSN Board Chair
Dr Jill Freyne is the new Board Chair of the NSSN
The NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Board Chair effective 3 July 2026.
Dr Jill Freyne, current Deputy Chair of the NSSN and Healthcare Industry Lead at Amazon Web Services, ANZ takes up the role of Board Chair, succeeding NSSN Chair Jo White.
She steps up to the Chair role after five years as a Board member, including two years as Deputy Board Chair, positioning her uniquely to drive the NSSN mission and vision forward.
"I'm honoured to be stepping in as Chair at a pivotal time for Australian research and innovation,” Dr Freyne said.
“The NSSN continuously demonstrates that when industry need drives research direction, the impact is transformative.
“I'm energised to work alongside the Co-Directors, Board and the exceptional NSSN team to accelerate that impact."
NSSN Co-Directors Prof. Benjamin Eggleton and Prof. Julien Epps welcomed the new appointment.
“Dr Freyne’s broad leadership experience across industry, government and universities makes her the ideal person to take the NSSN forward on it’s next chapter,” the Co-Directors said.
Dr Freyne is an experienced leader in innovation, digital transformation and research translation.
As Healthcare Industry Lead at Amazon Web Services Australia, she works to advance technology adoption and partnerships across Australia’s healthcare sector.
She previously served as Deputy Chief Scientist at CSIRO and Deputy CEO of the Australian eHealth Research Centre, building extensive experience in science strategy, governance and innovation.
Dr Freyne also serves on the Council of Southern Cross University and several government healthcare expert advisory groups.
A passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, Dr Freyne is committed to using technology and innovation to deliver positive outcomes for communities and industry.
The NSSN Co-Directors and expressed gratitude for Ms White’s invaluable contributions to the Network’s leadership.
Jo White
“Jo’s leadership, strategic vision and deep expertise across science, government and environmental management have played an important role in guiding the NSSN through a period of significant growth and impact,” the Co-Directors said.
“Her experience connecting research, policy and real-world outcomes has helped strengthen the Network’s role in supporting innovation across industry, government and academia.
“As she steps down to continue leading science engagement and innovation nationally as Director of Questacon, we are grateful for the significant contribution Jo has made to the NSSN.”
As she prepares to step down as Chair of the NSSN after four years in the role, Ms White reflected on the Network’s growth and the importance of collaboration in strengthening Australia’s smart sensing capability.
“Over the past ten years, NSSN has demonstrated what can be achieved when industry, government and researchers come together with a shared purpose,” Ms White said.
“Time and again, I have seen how combining deep research capability with industry insight and government priorities accelerates innovation and amplifies impact.
“That collaborative approach is exactly what Australia needs as we seek to build sovereign capability, support high-value industries and translate research excellence into practical outcomes.”
Ms White said smart sensing technologies would play a critical role in supporting Australia’s future prosperity, particularly as the nation pursues a Future Made in Australia and Ambitious Australia agenda.
“From advanced manufacturing and clean energy systems, to environmental monitoring, biosecurity and resilient cities, sensing technologies underpin informed decision-making and productivity growth,” she said.
“I step down with great confidence in the Network’s future and in the people who continue to drive its mission forward.”