Craig Simmons

As a world-renowned scientific expert in essential research into groundwater and earth sciences, Professor Craig Simmons FAA FTSE brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. Professor Simmons is particularly recognised for his major contributions to science leadership, education, and policy reform, working across the public and private sectors.

As Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Simmons provides executive leadership to the Schools of Architecture and Built Environment; Engineering; Environmental and Life Sciences; Information and Physical Sciences; and Psychological Sciences.

He has held positions as Executive Director, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences at the Australian Research Council (ARC), Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Research Projects) at Flinders University, and Foundation Director of the ARC National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.

Professor Simmons has led breakthrough research and developed new mathematical models in groundwater and groundwater processes that are integral to understanding not only the Australian landscape and environment, but also around the world. His research has informed management and policy issues from food and water security to coal seam gas, fracking, nuclear waste disposal, mining, and energy.

Professor Simmons’ work has been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU). His teaching has also been recognised, with Professor Simmons awarded the Australian Award for University (AAUT) Teaching in 2002. He received the Presidents’ Award of the International Association of Hydrogeologists in 2022.

Professor Simmons believes that being proactive through teaching and research is integral to making a difference not only in our region, but also nationally and internationally. He is a lead author of the United Nations World Water Development Report “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” and a coauthor of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.

"Leading the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at University of Newcastle is a tremendous honour and a massive opportunity. I am committed to building on our excellent research and teaching and to working closely with our community to advance our region together."

In a nation battered by droughts and floods, it is important to be ahead of the curve to anticipate and plan for future drought and flood events. Professor Simmons said a key means of doing this is through research and raising awareness, “If we can understand the weather patterns and the reasons behind them, we can better prepare for what the future holds.

“So many of the world’s biggest challenges are underpinned by science and engineering. Climate change, population growth, future water-energy-food security, sanitation, poverty eradication and environmental protection – to name just a few.

“In our own region, we are seeing an unprecedented regional transformation as we move towards clean energy and green technologies. It is such an exciting and important opportunity for our College and University to work together with our communities, industry, and government on advancing and solving some of the regions, nations and global problems.

“I am excited to be part of the solution and look forward to continual collaboration with colleagues on our teaching and research. There are enormous opportunities. Continuing to work closely with communities in our regions is particularly interesting and important to realise future possibilities together,” Professor Simmons said.

Science and engineering are critical to solving the biggest problems the planet and human civilisation face. We need the very best and brightest minds, many from Professor Simmons’ team, to continue their work on some of the most complex, complicated, urgent, and exciting problems of today and the future.