Professor Aleksandar Subic has returned to RMIT University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Science, Engineering and Health, and Vice President for Digital Innovation.
Subic joins RMIT from Swinburne University, where he held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise.
As RMIT’s first Vice-President of Digital Innovation, Subic said he hopes to continue to create value through innovation at RMIT, and said the College would have a critical role to play in an era of digital disruption and change.
“The world around us has embarked on the fourth industrial revolution involving significant levels of digitalisation and digital transformation across all industry sectors,” Subic said.
“My first priority in this area will be to connect with all stakeholders involved in digital innovation and establish a team approach supported by world class academic capability and strategic industry partnerships.
“I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to this transformation.”
Subic was a member of the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce. He is currently leading the Australian Industry Group (AiG) committee for the future of work, education and training, and is the Co-Chair of the National Digital Transformation Expert Panel under the auspices of Australian Industry Standards.
Subic is also currently chair of the European Research Council (ERC) Expert Panel for Physical Sciences and Engineering, and works with the Global Federation of Competitiveness Council (GFCC) and the German Plattform Industrie 4.0 leadership.
Subic was previously RMIT’s dean for the School of Engineering from 2012-2015, as part of a previous 18-year spell at the university.
Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE said he was delighted to welcome Professor Subic to RMIT’s leadership.
“In addition to driving research that can shape the world, Aleks has a passion for driving positive student experiences and outcomes, as well as building a culture of inclusion, excellence and impact,” he said.
“He will bring a unique perspective to the College of Science Engineering and Health as we plan for our next strategic chapter.”
Subic said serving on key national and international leadership groups alongside industry and government decision makers had been a privilege and helped shape his views about education, research and leadership.
“This enabled me to access a wealth of knowledge and experience and develop unique insights that have informed my views and actions as a university leader,” he said.
He said industry organisations, alongside business and government, have a key role to play in driving the best research and education outcomes that create economic and social impact.
“For RMIT to stay relevant and play an important role in industrial and societal transformations, it is essential that we engage closely with industry, as well as business and government,” he said.
“Our research and education must be informed by the needs of industry and society.”