Industry engagement expert joins RMIT Europe

Kogon, who has extensive experience in strategic development roles across both Spain and Australia, joins RMIT Europe after an impressive career with top Spanish nanotechnology research institute ICN2.

His appointment delivers a wealth of expertise to RMIT Europe in terms of securing strategic partnerships with European research centres and academic institutions, according to RMIT Europe’s Executive Director Dr Marta Fernandez. 

“Boaz’s achievements at ICN2 involved leading the institute’s strategy and outreach activity, which contributed towards ICN2 being named as a Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre – one of the highest accolades for research centres in Spain,” Fernandez said.

“He also played an integral role in helping to secure a research collaboration between ICN2 and RMIT’s Micro Nano Research Facility within the University’s College of Science, Engineering and Health. 

“This collaboration across photonic nanobiosensor research involved student mobility opportunities and the engagement of an RMIT visiting researcher for six months in Spain.”

Fernandez said Kogon is well-positioned to build collaborative relationships with partners across RMIT Europe’s priority area of Industry 4.0.

“We are also looking forward to leveraging Boaz’s excellent knowledge of the European funding landscape to increase access to Horizon 2020 funding for RMIT researchers,” she said.

A science and art graduate from the University of Western Australia as well as an alumnus of the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics, Kogon’s career has extended across the public and private sectors. 

The Australian national has a strong interest in biotechnology, agribusiness as well as innovation and technology transfer. He is also focused on fostering outreach strategies that ensure societal input into science and technology. 

Thrilled with the opportunity to connect his European experience with an Australian educational institution, Kogon said he looks forward to developing strong partnerships across Europe that will deliver research impact and innovative student mobility experiences.

“My initial focus will be to explore the collaboration opportunities across Industry 4.0, highlighting the realm of possibilities for research and student activity existing in manufacturing and technology,” he said.

“Across Europe, both industry and academic institutions are doing some amazing work in this space and I’m looking forward to identifying the areas and opportunities where RMIT’s strengths can be drawn upon to make a valuable contribution.”

Story: Karen Matthews