Hema has nearly 20 years of experience in government, primarily in the defence and national security sector. In her previous role as the Chief Advisor for Industry and Science at the Ministry of Defence, she worked together with industry, research and science entities, government agencies and international partners to provide strategic advice to inform policy formulation, governance and capability decisions.

In her former capacity as the Chief Science Advisor for Defence, she worked closely with the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor (PMCSA) and other Chief Science Advisors to contribute to government strategic thinking and decision making. Hema has a strong background in emerging and disruptive technologies with a focus on risk, governance, and impact.

In her current role as the Strategic Advisor for Technological Futures at Koi-Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, Hema is responsible for considering the impact of emerging technologies on society and national security, risks and foresight. She is also responsible for the Centre’s government relationships.

Hema is also a member of the board of MOTAT as well as the Presiding member of the Board of Trustees at Stanhope Road School.

Hema has a Master of Science in Physics and a Bachelor of Technology in Opto-electronics from the University of Auckland.