The Australian National University (ANU) College of Engineering and Computer Science has appointed Professor Nick Birbilis as the new Deputy Dean.
Professor Birbilis is widely renowned in the broad areas of metallurgy and corrosion and will be responsible for providing academic and strategic leadership to the College.
“I could not be more excited to join ANU, and I look forward to the opportunity to play a key role in executing the dynamic and frontier vision of the College,” Professor Birbilis said.
Professor Elanor Huntington, Dean of the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, was delighted to announce Professor Birbilis’ appointment.
“Nick Birbilis has a proven track record in academic leadership, industry engagement and innovation and we are thrilled to welcome his immense expertise to the College”
“He is a passionate educator and advocate for both applied and fundamental research as well as interdisciplinary collaboration”
Professor Huntington is confident that Professor Birbilis’ leadership and collaborative industry focus will be invaluable for the University’s Reimagine project.
“Reimagine is about bringing world leading thinkers together to fundamentally re-shape the disciplines of engineering and computing. I’m confident that Nick will be instrumental in shaping this bold new agenda and leading the College on this transformative journey” Professor Huntington said.
Professor Birbilis is currently Head, Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University. He is also a Batterham Medallist and Chair of the Woodside Innovation Centre, an industry endowed chair focused on future innovations in engineering.
Since being appointed Head in 2013, he has led a dynamic department of academics, staff, postgraduates and undergraduate students. In that time, he has been active in the recruitment of new faculty, development of interdisciplinary programs, and enhanced the student experience.
Professor Huntington also acknowledges Professor Thushara Abhayapala who finishes up his term as part-time Deputy Dean at the end of 2018.
“Professor Abhayapala has been a wonderful leadership support to the Dean over the past four years and I thank him for his service.
His achievements in advancing external engagement and an entrepreneurial research culture have brought significant positive outcomes to the college.”
“I wish him well as he continues to expand his world-class research” Professor Huntington said.
Professor Birbilis will take up the position in November 2018.