Annette Zou is working on a PhD at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, where she is exploring how economies and societies can transition to low-emissions trajectories through intentional structural change in economic, institutional, technological, and social systems. Annette brings to this work a background in design, game design, and systems innovation, which informs her approach to understanding complex transitions and developing frameworks for affecting change through climate policy. Annette also works as a Senior Research Officer at the Crawford School of Public Policy, working on decarbonising iron and steel supply chains with a focus on China and Australia.

Prior to returning to Australia in 2023, Annette lived in the US where she developed methods and lectured on systems innovation at Stanford University. In Australia, her background in design and innovation involved working with government departments to improve the user centred design of their services and policies. Her first professional role was as a game designer in China.

Annette holds a Master of Environmental Management and Development from ANU, where her thesis focused on integrative gaps in long term low emissions development strategies. She also has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Asian Studies from ANU.