Alexander Zelinsky (born 5 March 1960) is an Australian computer scientist, systems engineer and roboticist. His career spans innovation, science and technology, research and development, commercial start-ups and education. Professor Zelinsky is Vice-chancellor and President of the University of Newcastle joining the university in November 2018.[1] He was the Chief Defence Scientist of Australia from March 2012 until November 2018. As Chief Defence Scientist he led defence science and technology for Australia's Department of Defence.[2][3][4]
Career
While studying at the University of Wollongong (UoW), Professor Zelinsky started his career in 1978 as a cadet systems engineer at The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP). In 1984 he joined UoW's academic staff where he taught computer science while completing a PhD in robotics. He worked as a research scientist at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan, developing computer vision and robotics technologies (1991–1994). He was appointed professor of systems engineering at the Australian National University in 1996, holding that position until 2004.[5] In 2000 as chief executive officer (CEO), he co-founded, and was a non-executive director of,[6]Seeing Machines Limited, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange (2000–2014).[7] He was a senior executive at CSIRO (2004–2012), where he served as the Director of the ICT Centre (2004–2009), and Group Executive of Information Sciences (2007–2012).[5]
On 20 June 2018, Professor Zelinsky was announced as the next Vice-chancellor and President of the University of Newcastle[9] following the retirement of Caroline McMillen.[10] He assumed the role 19 November 2018.[11]
Qualifications and awards
Zelinsky has a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours), a Doctor of Philosophy, and in 2010 was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science,[5][6] all from the University of Wollongong.[12] He also served as a member of the University of Wollongong Council (2012–2015).[13]
In 2003, 2004,[19] and 2005, the World Economic Forum selected him as a Technology Pioneer in recognition of his commercialisation of technology with Seeing Machines.
In May 2005 he was awarded the ATSE's Clunies-Ross Award "for successful innovation involving the application of science and technology for the benefit of Australia".[6][20]
Since 2008 he has been named as one of Australia's 100 most influential engineers.[21]
In 2011 he led the CSIRO team named as a Global Supplier of the Year by Boeing.[22]
In 2013 he was awarded the Trevor Pearcey Medal by the Pearcey Foundation for "distinguished lifetime achievement and contribution to the development and growth of the ICT professions, research and industry in Australia".[24][25]
In 2017 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2017 Queen's birthday honours. Dr Zelinsky was recognised "for distinguished service to defence science and technology, to systems engineering, and to education as an academic and researcher".[27]
^On 23 December 2011, Warren Snowdon, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, announced that Zelinsky would become Australia's Chief Defence Scientist in early 2012, following the retirement of Robert Clark from the role in October 2011. Dr Alex Zelinsky appointed as new CDS – 2012Archived 2012-05-03 at the Wayback Machine, Media Release – Minister Warren Snowdon, www.dsto.defence.gov.au
