In Summary

  • Professor Linda Kristjanson AO and Professor Bronwyn Fox named as Fellows of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering
  • ATSE is an independent body of Australian scientists and engineers seeking to enhance Australia's prosperity through technological innovation
I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering" - Vice-Chancellor Linda Kristjanson

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has named Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson AO and Director of the Manufacturing Futures Research Institute, Professor Bronwyn Fox, as Fellows.

In making the announcement, the ATSE describes Professor Kristjanson as an “inspiring leader” of Swinburne and Professor Fox as an “outstanding materials science researcher” with a passion for translating research for the benefit of Australia’s manufacturing sector.

“(Professor Kristjanson) has developed, and is implementing, a vision for Swinburne to become a world-leading science, technology and innovation University,” the ATSE says.

Of Professor Fox, the ATSE says: “She is a recognised industry collaborator with more than 20 years’ experience in composites and advanced manufacturing and a prominent champion of the vision for a carbon fibre composite industry for Australia.”

Swinburne Chancellor, Graham Goldsmith, says the prestigious fellowships are a fitting acknowledgement of the contributions the pair have made in their respective fields.

Inspiring leader

“Professor Kristjanson has an impressive background in healthcare research and leadership,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Since 2011 she has been leading Swinburne as we implement our vision of being a world-class university, creating social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation.

“Professor Bronwyn Fox, who has more than 20 years’ experience in composites and advanced manufacturing is a recognised industry leader, translating research into high impact and industrial outcomes. We highly value her contribution to the university.”

Professor Kristjanson has had an extensive research career in palliative care and was the inaugural Chair of Palliative Care, funded by The Cancer Council of WA. She also served on the National Health and Medical Research Council for four years and is currently the Chair of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering,” she says.

“The ATSE has an important role to play to help prepare Australian business and society to address the challenges and opportunities associated with technological change, shifting demographics and a more globally connected world.

“Over the years, I have been fortunate to work across discipline boundaries to address problems and challenges that require collaboration amongst academics and industry and business partners.   

“These experiences have shown me the power of such alliances to solve problems and build economic and social prosperity. Most recently, through my role at Swinburne University of Technology. I have been able to see more clearly the compelling argument for bringing technology and social purpose together.  

“The Academy’s Strategic Plan for 2017-2020 embraces a bold vision where advances in technology serve the goal of economic growth, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. I look forward to contributing to this Fellowship and to help realise this worthwhile ambition.”

Outstanding materials science researcher

Professor Fox joined Swinburne in 2015, initially taking on the role of Director of the Factory of the Future.

Prior to that appointment she was the Research Director at Deakin University’s Carbon Nexus facility, working with international teams to develop new approaches for carbon fibre production.

At Swinburne, Professor Fox is translating her industrial research knowhow to the development of a new Industry 4.0 manufacturing capability.

“It’s an honour to be joining this incredible community of scientists, technologists and engineers, so many of whom have been such an inspiration to me,” Professor Fox says.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to implementing ATSE’s strategies for STEM education and ensuring industry technology readiness in particular.”

About the ATSE

The ATSE is an independent body of more than 800 Australian scientists and engineers seeking to enhance Australia’s prosperity through technological innovation. It is made up of some of Australia’s leading thinkers in technology and engineering, drawn from academia, government, industry and research to apply technology in smart, strategic ways for our social, environmental and economic benefit.

Academy Fellows are drawn from the areas of applied physical science and technology, applied biological science and technology, engineering and management, and development and leadership.