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Appointment

RMIT University appoints Professor Chris Speed as Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures

Professor Chris Speed, Director of the Edinburgh Futures Institute and Director of Creative Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, has been appointed as Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures at RMIT University

RMIT University is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise. Their mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students to prepare them for life and work. Their College of Design and Social Context offers a dynamic setting and provides a unique platform from which to initiate collaboration and the interchange of ideas, essential for energising communities inside and outside the Institution.

Society was retained by RMIT to conduct an extensive global search for individuals with exceptional strategic academic leadership, to be an anchor and provide cohesion and strategic direction across the School of Design, and across the wider University. We engaged with individuals who demonstrated distinction at the national level, and an internationally recognised research track record to broker partnerships that will span both research and learning and teaching initiatives and will also reach into STEM and business and law.

It is rare to find a university that has an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional design within a setting that has departments spanning the humanities, social and engineering sciences, and business

Professor Chris Speed arrives in Melbourne from The University of Edinburgh where he held two directorships: Director of the Edinburgh Futures Institute and Director of Creative Informatics. He was also Chair of Design Informatics at the University. Under Chris’ leadership, the Edinburgh Futures Institute transformed into a world leading centre for interdisciplinary teaching, research and innovation focused on the pursuit of knowledge and understanding that supports the navigation of complex futures.  As Director of Creative Informatics Chris led the UK government-funded research and innovation cluster for five years, supporting the development of new products and services for the Creative Industries.  Chris also has an impressive track record in directing large, complex grants and educational programs with academic, industry and government partners, that apply design and data methods to social, environmental and economic challenges.

Society wishes Chris all the very best in his new role.

From the first stages of introducing the opportunity, to accepting the offer at RMIT, James and Emily at Society remained open and supportive allowing me to make the best, informed decisions along the way - a very special relationship given the time and space differences between the UK and Australia

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