Curtin University has welcomed Professor Brett Kirk to the position of Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research, beginning 28 February.
With more than 22 years of research experience in bioengineering and a strong commitment to providing engineering solutions to a range of community issues, Professor Kirk will bring a unique breadth and depth of knowledge and leadership qualities to his new role at Curtin.
Professor Kirk said he relished the opportunity to contribute to Curtin’s wide-ranging research initiatives and continued community engagement.
“One of the great things about great universities is that they are genuine communities and the entire university needs to be engaged if we’re going to achieve our goals,” Professor Kirk said.
“I am in an ideal position to help create an environment and atmosphere that allows all staff to pursue and achieve their research career goals and ambitions.
“This means I’ll be getting out and meeting people in Curtin and the wider community to better understand their research needs and capabilities.”
With significant experience in working and researching in multi-partner, multidisciplinary ventures, Professor Kirk said team building and engagement were at the heart of strong community.
“Curtin has long been recognised as an extremely strong university in engineering and technology, but is now building a broader capability. The great challenge will therefore be to build both quality and scope,” he said.
“Curtin has ambitious goals but it is already strongly climbing the rankings of the world’s leading universities, is recognised as a leading university in the region, and has the resources and staff to achieve our goal of being in the top 20 universities in the region by 2020.”
Professor Kirk graduated from his Bachelor of Engineering and PhD degrees from the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 1988 and 1992 respectively, joining the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Monash University as a lecturer from 1992 to 1995.
In 1995, he moved back to UWA and has been a member of academic staff in the School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering since that date. In 2001, he was appointed Deputy Head of School and then Head of School for 2002 to 2010. He also held the position of Associate Chair of Academic Board at UWA for the period 2007-2011.
Professor Kirk is a member of the Board of Directors of Dreamfit and was instrumental to the establishment of this organisation, which provides engineering solutions to afford recreational opportunities for the disabled community.
Professor Kirk was appointed as a research program leader with the CRC for Integrated Engineering Asset Management (CIEAM) for the period 2006-2010 and is currently the Research Director for CIEAM following the Centre’s successful extension of term.
Contact:
Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 755, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au
Note to COS: Images and interviews are available upon request.
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
