19 MAY 2025 | OUR PEOPLE
Welcome to the DST Team Kirby-Jane Hallum, PhD (center in photo above) our new Principal Advisor, Science Partnering.
Kirby-Jane (Kirby) joins NZDF with a background in building research partnerships that bridge government, academia, and industry. She began her career in academia before pivoting to research strategy and engagement roles focused on real-world impact.
Kirby has held senior positions at the Universities of Otago and Auckland, and at GNS Science, where she worked closely with scientists and external partners to shape and deliver collaborative research programmes. Most recently, at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, she led government-to-government initiatives across Asia and the Pacific, including partnerships with the Asian Development Bank.
Outside of work, she’s a judge for the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and enjoys balancing whānau life with creative side projects and a strong interest in public-good science.
At NZDF, Kirby will be focused on advancing science excellence by strengthening Defence’s relationships with public research organisations and the innovation ecosystem.
She holds PhD in English Literature from the University of Auckland, and an MA and BA(Hons) from the University of Otago.