Mr Warwick Dawson

The role of Pro Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Engagement is vital, now more than ever. With decades of experience, Mr Warwick Dawson has an in depth understanding of the importance of connecting university knowledge and research with local industry and end user collaborators to boost the region and deliver social and economic impact for our community.

In a post-pandemic society, the importance of translating our research for local benefit is clear. It is essential that we have the ability to look after our region as industries transition and workforce requirements evolve.

According to Mr Dawson, economic growth through the creation of new businesses and therefore new jobs by translating our research to market is a national priority.

“The role of universities becomes increasingly important in generating new knowledge and innovative technologies, but also partnering with industry and end user collaborators in research translation and technology transfer. We have to work together to maximise impact,” says Warwick.

“I like to say that a silver lining from the pandemic is that now we’ve got this momentum building across all levels of government and the research sector, which is fantastic, and something that we have been striving for as a nation for many decades. The University of Newcastle even more so because we’re a one university town within a thriving collaborative innovation ecosystem,” says Warwick.

The University of Newcastle is an important employer for our region, it’s at the epicenter of technology development and translation to industry and end users, bringing research and education streams together to create jobs of the future.

Mr Dawson says ensuring that our students are ready for the economic transition ahead is a priority.

“Whether that’s through improving curriculum for students to graduate, work integrated learning or moving on to postgraduate level coursework.

“Ensuring that we’re researching topics that are relevant to society is going to make a huge difference. We need to ensure that we’re coming up with solutions that actually have a market need, and that meet the needs of customers.

“Having industry involved in all facets of the University enterprise, including colocation, which is already starting, is key – that sense of in person connection is so important,” says Warwick.

The end goal for Warwick is to make a real-world impact through his work, for students, staff, and the community, improving livelihoods and making the world a better place.

“That could be better health outcomes, cost reductions, opportunities in the creative space, as well as science and tech. I’d like to see an impact in all forms, whether that’s social, economic, cultural, and/or environmental.

“Keeping people engaged in the community and keeping them local is important – so that they don’t feel like they need to leave the region, because the region needs those people and more for a sustainable, thriving, dynamic society.

“There’s an endless supply of opportunities, all of which will need a trained and skilled workforce. These may not be the jobs of today, but certainly of tomorrow. I’d like to contribute to giving people a pathway, with appropriate support and retraining to fulfill those jobs, and have a future in this region,” says Warwick.

“In this role, that’s what makes it fun. Every day is a new adventure creating new opportunities for tomorrow,” says Warwick.