CDU appoints new leader of research, innovation

An engineering scientist with a distinguished record as a researcher and as an academic leader will soon join Charles Darwin University (CDU) in one of its most senior roles.

CDU has appointed Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice President.

Professor Dlugogorski has held the positions of Dean of the School of Engineering and Information Technology at Murdoch University in Perth and Director of Priority Research Centre for Energy at the University of Newcastle.

He is also Chair of the WA Division Committee of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. He holds a DSc in Science and Engineering and a PhD in Chemical Engineering, and has expertise in process safety, fire and explosion safety, metallurgy and environment protection.

At Murdoch University, Professor Dlugogorski led a strategic renewal of the School, giving it a stronger research emphasis in areas ranging from bioinformatics and biophysics, renewable energy, and water treatment to cyber security and artificial intelligence. His research has been funded continuously by the Australian Research Council since 1996.

As the School’s Dean he also implemented a new academic structure to synergise teaching operations, grow student numbers and promote research collaborations.

In announcing the appointment, Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University Professor Simon Maddocks said he looked forward to welcoming Professor Dlugogorski into one of the key roles at the university.

“Not withstanding its relative youth, CDU has established an exceptional reputation for its research output and impact, particularly in Tropical and Indigenous Health with the Menzies School of Health Research, in Tropical Savanna environmental science with the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, and in Social and Public Policy with the Northern Institute,” Professor Maddocks said.

“We are known for our work in meeting the needs of the Northern Territory and our immediate region of Timor-Leste, Eastern Indonesia and the Arafura Sea and this is an excellent base on which to build our research portfolio,” he said.

“The university has recently moved into research areas such as 3D printing and cyber security and Professor Dlugogorski will build on our strengths and lead this expansion of our work in innovative areas when he takes up his role with us.”

Professor Dlugogorski is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Combustion Institute, Engineers Australia and Royal Australian Chemical Institute. While at the University of Newcastle, he also was Professor of Chemical Engineering.

He will take up the role at CDU on 29 May.