Ms Mirela Garaplija
Manager, College Research Administration Services

Organisation unit

College of Science College Services - Science

Location

Adelaide University, Ingkarni Wardli, Level 1
Profile of Ms Mirela Garaplija

About me

I am a research administration and operations leader with extensive experience across research management, operational delivery, organisational change, strategic projects, finance and academic services. My work focuses on enabling strong research and graduate research outcomes through effective leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement, operational excellence and continuous improvement. As a Change Champion during the formation of Adelaide University, I supported colleagues through significant organisational change, contributing to readiness, engagement and the transition to new ways of working. I am passionate about building high performing, collaborative teams, improving operational practices and creating effective working environments that enhance service quality, strengthen operational effectiveness and support strong performance. 
My leadership approach is people focused, practical, strategic and outcomes driven, grounded in integrity, clarity, collaboration and a commitment to sustainable improvement.

  • 2025: Selected as a Change Champion during the formation of Adelaide University, contributing to a major organisational transformation through the merger of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. 
  • 2020: Nominated, Professional Research Excellence Category Team Award. 
  • 2019: Nominated, UniSA Professional Staff Support Team Award.
  • 2015: Winner, Division of EASS Academic Excellence Award, Professional Staff, Research Support Team. 
  • 2014: Winner, Division of EASS Outstanding Achievement in International Engagement, recognising the organisation and hosting of the International Congress on Occupational Health, Work Organisation and Psychosocial Factors.
  • 2014: Winner, Division of EASS Teamwork Award, recognising collaboration, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • 2013: Winner, Division of EASS Professional Staff Excellence in Providing Quality Service, recognising consistently outstanding service to internal and external stakeholders.

My career spans leadership roles across the private sector and higher education, with extensive experience in strategic operations, finance, project delivery, research administration, academic services and organisational change. After establishing a strong commercial and operational foundation in senior finance and operations roles across Australia and Southeastern Europe, I transitioned into higher education, where I have progressed through leadership, specialist and management roles of increasing scope and responsibility across research, academic operations and institutional transformation. My higher education experience includes leadership across research strategy and administration, governance, financial management, service delivery, stakeholder engagement and operational improvement. I have also contributed to significant organisational transformation initiatives, supporting change readiness, engagement and the adoption of new ways of working.

• CPA Australia, Certified Practising Accountant 
• Australasian Research Management Society, ARMS 
• International Network of Research Management Societies, INORMS 
• College of Science Research Committee, Member
Last updated on 22/09/2026 by Mirela Garaplija