UTS appoints leading technologist to head up research

Professor Glenn Wightwick will succeed Professor Attila Brungs as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research upon his appointment as UTS Vice-Chancellor.

Glenn, a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, was selected against tough national and international competition and will join UTS from IBM, where he is currently Director, IBM Research - Australia and IBM Australia Chief Technologist. He brings global experience from his role at IBM having led teams in the US and China, worked on IBM’s global technical strategy and established world-leading research laboratories here in  Australia.

Professor Vicki Sara, UTS Chancellor, attributed the number and quality of the candidates to the University’s rapidly growing research reputation and ambition.

“UTS can be proud of how quickly we have established a global reputation for quality, as a result of our sustained efforts and focus on excellence in teaching and research over recent years.

“Glenn’s passion, commitment to innovation, research excellence and reputation as a leading technologist set him apart from the other candidates,” Professor Vicki Sara said.

Glenn is recognised as a leader in developing Australia's ICT industrial R&D base and a significant contributor to innovation across the nation.

“Glenn combines significant industry experience with research excellence. He has a distinguished research track record in terms of publications, but also patents and commercialisation.

Glenn has also served on the ARC College of Experts, is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and he has led national bodies and committees such as the NSW Digital Economy Industry Taskforce.” 

“Clearly Glenn’s skills and experience are a great fit with our Research Strategy that is focused on excellence, producing high quality research that has impact,” Professor Sara added.

"Glenn has been the driving force behind building our IBM Research capabilities in Australia. He was instrumental in the establishment of our laboratory to create innovative solutions that solve industry challenges across healthcare and life sciences, natural resources management and natural disaster management.  I'm thrilled that Glenn will continue his work in research here in Australia through this new appointment and wish him every success," said Andrew Stevens, Managing Director, IBM Australia and New Zealand.

“I am absolutely delighted and excited to be joining UTS," Professor Wightwick said.

“I have had a strong relationship with UTS over the last eight years and have been impressed by UTS's vision, culture and commitment to research and innovation."