Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellows

Vice-Chancellor’s Principal Research Fellows are internationally recognised experts in their field with excellent research track records.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Principal Research Fellowships is a competitive scheme advertised internationally on an annual basis.

Applicants are selected on the basis of their exceptional track record and international recognition for leading and undertaking high quality research in one of RMIT's research priority areas.

2025 Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellow

Dr Rodney Scott

School of Law | COBL

Rodney Scott is a Vice Chancellor's Principal Research Fellow in RMIT's School of Law and joins academia from several deputy secretary roles in the civil service. He has focused on applied research in public administration to help institutions to be more effective.

Rodney’s fellowship examines how governments implement digital technologies to improve public services, with a focus on leadership and governance. Rodney completed a PhD in system dynamics and public administration at the University of Queensland and visiting fellowships at Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge Universities. He has led projects in over

20 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Dr Tania King

School of Global, Urban and Social Studies | DSC

Dr Rimi Khan

School of Fashion and Textiles | DSC

Associate Professor Rimi Khan is Vice Chancellor’s Principal Research Fellow, investigating regenerative fashion systems in the Asia-Pacific. As demand grows for low-carbon, resource-efficient materials to supply fashion systems, new biomaterials offer the potential to enhance community wellbeing and ecological resilience. Yet the benefits of these material innovations risk reinforcing unequal value chains in the fashion industry.

Rimi’s research investigates the cultural and community impacts of sustainability innovations in global south communities, particularly as they are scaled up and commercialised. She aims to collaborate with biomaterial researchers, designers, and enterprise scholars to support reparative and restorative practices.

2024 Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellow

Dr Natalia Radywyl

DSC | Design

Dr. Natalia Radywyl is a Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellow in RMIT's School of Design, College of Design and Social Context. She is a researcher and designer whose work has focused on the role of policy in serving the public good, particularly by redesigning social services, public spaces, and aspects of civic institutions to ensure they're more equitable, accessible, and can adopt progressive remits.

Natalie has led research practices at top design and innovation consultancies in New York City and Melbourne, with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and government, to non-government organisations and the community sector. Her fellowship examines how academics, designers, and funders can best partner for meaningful impact, with the aim of developing evidence-based models and tools that support effective, regenerative collaboration.

Discover more

Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Research Fellows

Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Research Fellows are internationally recognised experts in their field with exceptional research and leadership track records.

Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellows

Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellows are internationally recognised experts in their field with excellent research track records.

Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellows

Our Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellows are nationally recognised for their research contributions and establishing strong research track records through quality research outputs.

Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellows

Our Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship awardees are emerging researchers who are building their research careers following the completion of their PhD.

Interested in becoming a RMIT research fellow?

Follow the link below to view the RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellowships page where you'll find information on application dates and how to apply.

VCRF Fellowships

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