16 November 2016
The former Director of the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA), Professor Duncan Campbell is to become Head of the School of Engineering at the University of South Australia.
Professor Campbell is joining UniSA from Queensland University of Technology where he is a Professor in Robotics and Autonomous Systems and where he was Director of QUT’s ARCAA for five years.
As an expert adviser on policy, legislation and developmental roadmaps related to unmanned aircraft systems and drone technology, Professor Campbell was also the leader for the recently completed Project ResQu, a two year, $7M collaborative research partnership between QUT, CSIRO, Boeing Research & Technology Australia, Insitu Pacific Ltd and the Queensland State Government.
Project ResQu fast-tracked research focusing on the enabling technologies and the regulatory environment toward the routine operation of unmanned aircraft.
With grant funding of more than $11 million over the past decade, Professor Campbell’s research focus has largely centred on unmanned aerial systems across areas including airspace integration, enabling technologies and biosecurity.
Professor Simon Beecham, Pro Vice Chancellor: Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment (ITEE) at UniSA said Professor Campbell would bring a wealth of expertise and leadership to the role.
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Campbell to UniSA as our new Head of the School of Engineering,” Professor Beecham said.
“Professor Campbell’s extensive experience and knowledge within the field of engineering are matched by his skills in driving educational practice and research that connects strongly with industry and delivers real world outcomes.
“The positive and inspiring contribution that Professor Campbell will make within ITEE is one that I’m sure will resonate far in the wider community.”
Professor Campbell said he was “thrilled” to be joining UniSA as the incoming Head of the School of Engineering.
“UniSA is ideally poised to engage in a significant way in large upcoming defence projects with ideal positioning in South Australia,” Professor Campbell says.
“Equally, there is tremendous opportunity to engage with the very many local SMEs, and to provide a unique offering of research expertise and leadership in the education of our future engineers and aviation professionals.
“I recognise the greater potential of the School of Engineering and the many opportunities that lay before it. With the commitment of UniSA to engineering and aviation, I look forward to very exciting times ahead.”
Media contact: Will Venn office +61 883020096 mob 0401 366054 email will.venn@unisa.edu.au
