July 12, 2026
The Council of the Society warmly congratulates the following Members and Fellows on their recent career moves, progressions, and appointments.
Professor Barney Glover AO FRSN FTSE commenced his five-year term as the Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission on 1 July 2026. Previously, he was the Chief Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia, and before that, the Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University.
Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM DistFRSN FTSE FAA, President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and previously Australia’s Chief Scientist, and Distinguished Professor Brian Falzon FRSN, Executive Dean of Engineering, Computing, and Science at Western Sydney University, joined the inaugural board of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), respectively as chair and as a member, from 1 July 2026. The AMRF is a NSW Government initiative to accelerate innovation and support the scale-up of advanced manufacturing and critical technology capability in Australia.
Professor Craig Simmons FRSN FAA FTSE was appointed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Newcastle (UoN) on 2 June 2026. Previously, he was the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the UoN College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, and he continues to serve in the part-time role of Chief Scientist of South Australia.
Professor Michael Blumenstein FRSN commenced as Vice-President and Executive Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University of South Australia on 7 June 2026. Previously, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business Creation and Major Facilities) at the University of Technology Sydney, and before that, the Deputy Dean of the UTS Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.
Professor Mary O’Kane AC FRSN FTSE became the 15th Chancellor of the University of Queensland on 13 July 2026. She continues in her roles as Chair of the Boards of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Business Events Sydney. Previously, she was Chair of the NSW Independent Planning Commission (2018-2024), the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer (2008-2018), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide (1996-2001).
