Dr Vanessa Watkins is a Midwifery Research Fellow at in the Curtin University School of Nursing, recognised for her deep expertise in healthcare and health services research. She has a strong background in clinical nursing and midwifery, as well as leadership, innovation, knowledge mobilisation, and primary research. Dr Watkins’ efforts have driven the development and evaluation of innovative practices now implemented across maternity services in Victoria, earning her two national awards for her contributions. Her research is dedicated to enhancing the quality, safety, and experience of healthcare, with a particular focus on equity, respect, empowerment, and collaboration in maternity and perinatal care. Dr Watkins’ doctoral research, Labouring Together, explored the essential conditions for effective interprofessional collaboration and shared decision-making with women. She continues to champion respect, equity, and justice through applied, partnership-driven and consumer-led research in the perinatal space.