Professor Thas Nirmalathas appointed Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Professor Thas Nirmalathas has been appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Melbourne.
Professor Nirmalathas has been the Interim Dean since January 2024. As a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, he is deeply engaged in cutting-edge research, exploring areas such as optical wireless network integration, photonic computing, heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits and advanced wireless communication technologies.
He has also served in other roles at the University of Melbourne, guiding groundbreaking initiatives as Deputy Dean (Research) and Institute Director for the Melbourne Networked Society Institute, and nurturing entrepreneurship as Co-Founder and Director of the Melbourne Accelerator Program.
Professor Nirmalathas’ accomplishments extend beyond academia. He is a Fellow of Institution of Engineers Australia, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and Senior Member the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) USA and Optica USA. He is recognised for his international leadership through activities at IEEE Future Networks Initiative and IEEE Photonics Society’s Emerging Technologies Task Force.
In addition to his professional affiliations, Professor Nirmalathas has been influential in information and communication technology nationally as former chair of the National Steering Committee for Information and Communication Sciences within the Australian Academy of Sciences.
Professor Nirmalathas obtained a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Melbourne. With more than 26 years of post-doctoral research experience, and more than 17 years as a Professor at the University of Melbourne, Professor Nirmalathas brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of FEIT, its strengths and its future.
His appointment follows an international search and selection process.
Professor Nirmalathas said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. I look forward to continuing to lead the exceptional staff at FEIT, to supporting an inclusive community with a strong focus on supporting our outstanding students, and to working closely with our alumni, partners and stakeholders.
“I have an enduring and passionate commitment to ensuring that the University of Melbourne continues to build on its global leadership position and advance scholarship and education for the greater benefit of society.”
His appointment is effective 11 November 2024.