Adelaidean - News from the University of Adelaide The University of Adelaide Australia
May / June 2012 Issue
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New engineering head to expand research portfolio

 Appointments

One of Australia's most influential engineers has been appointed the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences.

Professor John Beynon will take over the position from Professor Peter Dowd, who has led the Faculty since July 2004 and retires this July.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha said that the appointment of Professor Beynon came as the Faculty sought to expand its diverse research portfolio and build on its recent growth.

"The Faculty has enjoyed strong growth in recent years under the leadership of current Executive Dean, Professor Dowd. With the mining expansion in South Australia and demand for engineers across Australia far outstripping supply, we can expect to see great interest from both students and industry," Professor McWha said.

"Professor Beynon is very well-regarded for his capacity to build partnerships in both academic and industry settings. His vision and sense of collaboration aligns perfectly with the University of Adelaide's commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience in a research-rich environment.

"He has wide-ranging international experience and has made a significant contribution to the enhancement of relevant learning outcomes in engineering within Australia and responding to the changing needs of today's students."

Professor Beynon is currently President, Australian Council of Engineering Deans and Principal Investigator, Australian Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AusAMRC). He has been Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne since 2005.

In 2011, he was listed by Engineers Australia as one of Australia's 100 most influential engineers.

Professor Beynon said he was looking forward to helping further develop an exciting Faculty that has much to offer both students and industry.

"I'm keen to see the Faculty expand its work with the South Australian community as well as nationally and internationally," Professor Beynon said. "For each of these areas of engagement, the Faculty should -and can - offer world-class capability."

Story by Robyn Mills

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Professor John Beynon
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