Professor Russell Crawford

Research interests

Professor Crawford’s research is in the area of surface and colloid science, with his early work focusing on the surface chemistry of mineral flotation and the removal of heavy metals from aqueous environments by the processes of adsorption and co-precipitation using amorphous metal hydroxide substrates. His more recent research investigates the ways in which biological organisms interact with solid substrate surfaces, particularly those used in the construction of medical implants, and in the development of methods by which these bacteria can be inactivated or prevented from attaching by altering the surface nano-topography. This research, performed in collaboration with colleague Professor Elena Ivanova, was featured in an Australian Broadcasting Commission television program 'Catalyst'.

He has been an author of more than 250 publications including 1 book, 2 edited books, 21 book chapters and over 110 refereed journal papers, which have received more than 2,400 citations.

Awards

• Witec Best Paper Award, WITec Wissenschaftliche Instrumente und Technologie, Germany (2013)
• Molecules Best Review Paper Award, Molecular Diversity Preservation International Publishers (2013)
• Swinburne University of Technology Vice Chancellor’s Award for Inclusion and Cultural Diversity (2013)
• Swinburne University of Technology Research Excellence Award (2000)
  

The Executive Dean of the School of Science provide academic and research leadership in the University,  the College of Science, Engineering and Health, in the School of Science’s disciplines/fields, and in teaching and learning, research and involvement with relevant professional groups.

The Executive Dean of Science collaborates extensively across the College and University, representing and advocating for the RMIT mission and contributing strongly to the delivery of all key College accountabilities. The Executive Dean is directly accountable to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Science, Engineering and Health for the leadership, direction and management of the School.

Professor Crawford joined RMIT University in 2016 from Swinburne University of Technology where he had held the positions of Dean of Science, Dean, Faculty of Life & Social Sciences, and Head, School of Biophysical Sciences and Electrical Engineering.

Professor Crawford is a graduate of:

• The University of Melbourne (PhD, Physical Chemistry 1996)
• Swinburne (BAppSc (with Distinction) 1982
• MAppSc, Physical Chemistry 1986.

Professional affiliations

Professor Crawford is a Member of the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists (for which he is a Council Member) and the Australasian Colloid and Interface Society. He is a member of the Australian Council of Deans of Science executive, after having previously served as President for a number of years. He is also a member of the Board of Science and Technology Australia, Australia’s peak body in science and technology and an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University of Technology.