Professor Ian Burnett returns to RMIT

Professor Ian Burnett returns to RMIT

Well-known researcher and staff alumnus returns to RMIT as Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President.

Professor Ian Burnett has re-joined RMIT to lead the STEM College. 

Burnett is an active researcher in speech, audio and multimedia signal processing with many Australian and US patents that could have an impact in areas such as teleconferencing and virtual environments. 

While he’s an engineer himself, he is passionate about STEM broadly and the role it plays in solving the world’s most complex issues.

“Computing for example has now reached the point where the mix of engineering and computer science, especially in AI and data science, is resulting in huge steps forward for society with applications in diverse areas such as health, transport and aerospace,” Burnett said.   

His previous role as Dean, Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) saw him build his extensive leadership and sector experience.

Before his tenure at UTS, Burnett was the Head of School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at RMIT University. 

During his time in this role, the school saw significant growth and expansion internationally with programs in Vietnam and Hong Kong, as well as significant research performance. 

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron said he has great confidence in the contributions that Burnett will make to the College. 

“Ian is a values-led leader and his reputation for creating engaging and inclusive environments precedes him. He is a creative thinker and a strong relationship and team builder, evidenced by his international credentials and productive networks,” Cameron said.

Burnett brings with him a wealth of academic and industry experience gained through roles in both Australia and Europe, as well as deep experience working across Southeast Asia. 

He is excited to build on RMIT’s research and distinctive STEM education that puts students at the forefront of global challenges.

Ian Burnett is smiling at camera wearing a grey suit jacket with blue top and red tie Professor Ian Burnett. Source: RMIT University
17 January 2023

Share

17 January 2023

Share

  • Announcements
Engage

Related News

Uniqlo storefront

Taking the UNIQLO experience to the next level: RMIT students pitch ideas to clothing giant

Last semester, 80 RMIT Impact Academy students in the College of Business and Law were challenged by UNIQLO with an industry-embedded business project in the semester’s Impact Academy course.

Photo of Monica Kerwin, Natika Clayton, Robert Clayton, Shalarna Thorpe

Funding of $6 million to support RMIT research to measure First Nations digital inclusion

The announcement is part of the Australian Government’s plan to invest $68 million to narrow the digital gap by supporting more First Nations communities to access the internet.

music-melbourne-recital-centre-1220x732.jpg

Making music for stairwells, foyers and transient spaces

What if music can be created beyond the stage – in a building’s foyers and stairways? Who said stairwells were just for stairs?

World-first green hydrogen innovation wins prestigious Climate Innovation Challenge

South East Water and RMIT University's ground-breaking method for producing green hydrogen from solar energy and recycled water has won the 2024 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge.

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information