Ashfaq leads research programs and operations across the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership and the Deakin Initiative for Humanitarian Action. He builds the systems, governance frameworks and partnerships that let researchers and practitioners do their best work.
With more than a decade in research management in higher education, Ashfaq oversees all CHL projects, budgets and activities, from proposal development through to delivery. He works with partners inside and outside the university to manage grants and projects across their full life cycle, and leads the Centre’s project management approach, including training colleagues to use it.
He brings financial rigour and strategic planning together. Ashfaq has led program management teams, developed business cases for new initiatives, and steered programs through complex policy and compliance requirements. His experience spans global, interdisciplinary projects across multiple industries. He has received multiple Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution at Deakin University.
Ashfaq holds a dual master’s degree in Business Management and Accounting and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
