The University of Southern Queensland has entered a new era of research innovation with the appointment of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor John Bell. Joining the USQ executive leadership team, Professor Bell will be overseeing three Research Institutes; Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment and Institute for Resilient Regions.
Professor Bell will be based at USQ Springfield, and lead the University to even more world-changing results, benefiting local and global communities alike. “I’m focused on growth, building on our strengths and exploring new fields of research,” Professor Bell said. “More astronomical discoveries, more agricultural engineering innovations, more hypersonic breakthroughs, and breaking ground in emerging fields of excellence for us.”
Professor Bell made the move from QUT where he was Head of the School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering. He has held a range of senior positions at QUT including Assistant Dean of Research in the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering from 2001 to 2011, and Director of the Centre for Built Environment and Engineering Research from 2003 to 2004.
USQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie welcomed Professor Bell at an official function in Toowoomba. “Professor Bell brings a wealth of experience and impressive track record in the development of research capacity,” said Professor Mackenzie. “This includes his significant research development at QUT where he attracted numerous Australian Research Council fellowships, boosted external income, and increased research quality high-level publications.”
More than 30 keys areas of USQ Research received an above-world standard or higher ranking from Australia’s Research Council’s Excellence in Research for Australia earlier this year. “USQ works alongside its industry partners to develop solutions that can be applied directly to industry and the community, aligning with regional and global agendas,” said Professor Mackenzie.
Professor Mackenzie said Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation was a critical leadership role, as USQ strived to deliver high impact research outcomes.
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