Prominent groundwater scientist appointed to lead research and innovation at University of Newcastle

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

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The University of Newcastle has today announced the appointment of Professor Craig Simmons to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation (DVCRI), following a highly competitive global recruitment process.

Professional head-and-shoulders portrait of an older adult with short grey hair and a neatly trimmed grey beard, wearing rectangular dark-framed glasses, a dark suit jacket, light blue shirt, and blue tie, against a dark textured background.
Professor Craig Simmons has been announced as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation (DVCRI).

Professor Simmons brings an outstanding record of scientific achievement, strategic leadership and sector-wide impact to the role and to the University of Newcastle’s Executive Leadership Team. A globally recognised groundwater scientist, his work has advanced understanding of groundwater systems and informed policy and practice across academia, government and industry.

Since 2022, Professor Simmons has served as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle’s College of Engineering, Science and Environment. He also currently serves as Chief Scientist for South Australia.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said Professor Simmons’ appointment marks a significant step forward in delivering the University’s research ambitions.

“Professor Simmons is an outstanding research leader whose career exemplifies both academic excellence and real-world impact,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“His deep experience across science, policy and innovation makes him exceptionally well placed to lead the next phase of the University’s research and innovation strategy as part of Looking Ahead 2030.

“Professor Simmons has an impressive track record of building high-performing teams and delivering research outcomes that address complex global challenges, and I am delighted to welcome him to this critical leadership role.”

Professor Simmons has held a number of senior leadership and research positions, including Foundation Director of the ARC National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at Flinders University, and Executive Director at the Australian Research Council (ARC), overseeing mathematics, physics, chemistry and earth sciences.

Professor Simmons is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and the American Geophysical Union.

His many accolades include the Australian Academy of Science Anton Hales Medal, South Australian Scientist of the Year, Australian Water Professional of the Year, and the International Association of Hydrogeologists Presidents’ Award.

Professor Simmons has also contributed to major global scientific initiatives, including as a lead author of the United Nations World Water Development Report Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible, and as a contributing author to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report.

Professor Simmons said he was honoured to take on the role and continue advancing the University’s research impact.

“The University of Newcastle has a strong and growing reputation for research excellence and meaningful community impact,” Professor Simmons said.

“I am excited to work with colleagues and partners to strengthen our research performance, foster innovation, and translate our discoveries into real-world outcomes that benefit our region and the world.

“Together, we have an opportunity to build on existing strengths and position the University as a leader in addressing the critical challenges of our time.”

As DVCRI, Professor Simmons will provide strategic leadership across the University’s research and innovation portfolio, with a focus on enhancing performance, strengthening industry and global partnerships, and driving impact.

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