Curtin University has appointed former Director of the Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI), Charlie Thorn, to the position of Director Research and Development.
Mr Thorn has more than 30 years experience in research management, commercialisation and technology transfer in the agriculture, fisheries and university sectors.
During his time as Director of ASDI, Mr Thorn led and grew Curtin’s sustainability research in the areas of energy, climate change, water, resources, urban and regional development, communities and food.
Mr Thorn said he looked forward to the opportunity to use this experience to further the research strengths and world-class capabilities of Curtin.
“Curtin has earned a reputation for delivering innovative solutions to real world problems. My role as Director Research and Development will be to build on this reputation through the continued fostering of strong strategic partnerships with industry and government and building on Curtin’s international collaborations,” Mr Thorn said.
“It is essential that Curtin maintains its ability to support key stakeholder relationships by continuing to develop a sustainable research strategy that focusses on the total needs of its research partners.”
Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development, Professor Graeme Wright, said he looked forward to working more closely with Mr Thorn to deliver on the opportunities arising out of the University’s areas of strength.
“Charlie will be a great asset to our team and his extensive experience and expertise will assist us in working towards our goal of positioning Curtin as an international leader,” Professor Wright said.
Mr Thorn has also previously held positions in the university sector as Director Research and Innovation at Edith Cowan University and Associate Director Research and Development at Curtin.
Contacts:
Charlie Thorn, Director Research & Development, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 9062, Email: c.thorn@curtin.edu.au
Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Mob: 0401 103 755, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au
Web: www.curtin.edu.au
