A graduate of the MOD Science & Engineering Fast Stream, Heather brings over 30 years of systems thinking and leadership to the Defence Enterprise, aimed at improving the exploitation of great science and technology. She has worked extensively at the critical interfaces across Defence, bringing together Users, S&T communities, Academia, Delivery Teams, Manufacturers and Regulators to change perceptions, improve the coherence of investment and eliminate barriers.  Key roles include over 5 years at the forefront of the Defence Innovation Initiative, leading the DE&S Technology Office, and over 3 years at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, as Director of the Defence College for Military Capability Integration (DCMCI).  She is now applying her experience to improve the contribution of Academia to solving critical defence problems, including the generation and sustainment of sovereign SQEP.