13 August 2013
Renowned Swedish researcher in polymer chemistry, Professor Mats Andersson, will join the University of South Australia’s Ian Wark Research Institute under a South Australian Research Fellowship backed by the State Government and designed to develop expertise and leadership in this important field.
University of South Australia Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says the appointment is a major win for South Australia.
“This is a very sound strategic investment by the State Government, and UniSA is delighted to welcome such an innovative and internationally recognised researcher to our University,” Prof Lloyd says.
“Mats will contribute to SA’s capacity to develop world class innovation in sustainable energy systems and minerals technologies, consistent with the State’s strategic priorities. I know he will find colleagues and students keen to work with him to develop future technologies and share his special knowledge of polymer chemistry.”
Recently ranked by Reuter and Thomsen as among the world’s top 50 scientists in the field of materials chemistry, Prof Andersson’s research focus is on the development of new materials for energy capture specifically in photo voltaics and the use of printing-type materials for polymer electronics, and also the development of hybrid materials.
Prof Andersson has most recently held the position of Professor of Polymer Chemistry at Chalmers University of Technology where he completed his PhD in 1995 before moving to the University of California to complete postdoctoral research in 1996. He returned to Chalmers to take a leading role in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and his leadership there has seen him supervise more than 25 PhD and post-doctoral students and develop a powerhouse of research and associated publications.
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Prof Richard Head says the appointment is expected to significantly increase UniSA’s participation in nationally funded energy-related research.
“As a leader in his field, Prof Andersson knows how to build the kind of multidisciplinary approaches across the university to support the research into sustainable technologies,” he says.
“He will bring additional depth and experience to the Wark, which has already been assessed as performing at well above world class in the Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) measures – so we can expect great things from this appointment.”
Director of the Ian Wark Research Institute at UniSA, Prof Magnus Nyděn says the appointment will add enormous research strength to the Wark.
“With Mats’ appointment we are stronger than ever in our science focused on physical chemistry and materials science for surface control,” Prof Nyděn says
“He brings a very strong track record in energy materials development and specifically in polymer synthesis which is vital for surface modification for a range of applications.
“His appointment will strengthen our capacity to respond to societal challenges especially in the development of materials for application in health, solar energy and minerals production and processing, and it will support important collaborative efforts across the three universities in the state."
UniSA Media contact: Michèle Nardelli office: 08 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
