Dr Armstrong is currently the Deputy NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, a position he has held since 2019. He brings a wealth of experience in science, research and policy management to the role of DVCR.
UNE’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Simon Evans, announced the new appointment to staff following the retirement of DVC Research Professor Heiko Daniel.
“I’m very excited to have someone of Dr Armstrong’s wisdom, experience and skills, in particular in government research policy and collaboration with industry and government, spearheading UNE’s research services and I look forward to working with him to plan and implement UNE’s strategic research direction in line with our decadal strategic plan, Future Fit,” Professor Evans said.
“The role requires Dr Armstrong to provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the University's research activities, with a particular focus on supporting innovation and improving social outcomes for regional and rural communities throughout Australia as well as globally.”
Dr Armstrong is uniquely qualified to meet these expectations. He first joined the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer in 2012, marking the start of a decade-long association with the agency, and has held the roles of Director, Executive Director and Acting NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer during his tenure with the Office.
During his time with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer, Dr Armstrong worked on many policy and program matters as well as priority science and engineering issues on behalf of the NSW Government. He was previously involved with work relating to air quality in road tunnel developments in Sydney, issues with PFAS contamination in NSW, mining in the Sydney Catchment area, the review of coal seam gas in NSW, and quantum computing.
Dr Armstrong is an alumnus of the University of Sydney, graduating with a PhD in Chemistry in 2001. After graduating he worked in industry in medical communications for Meditech Media and Elsevier Science. He joined the NSW public service in 2004, serving as Associate Director (Science) with the NSW Office for Science & Medical Research. He accepted the role of Acting Director of the same institution in 2010, a position he held until its transition to the Office of Science & Research in 2011.
In 2016, he was awarded a Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for “outstanding public service to science and engineering, particularly to policy review and development in NSW.”
Dr Armstrong said he’s excited to make the tree change from Sydney to Armidale and looks forward to joining the team at the University of New England.
“After so many years working with universities and industry from the perspective of my government roles, I am really looking forward to becoming part of this vibrant university and community and to work with stakeholders and partners on impactful initiatives,“ Dr Armstrong said.
Dr Armstrong will start his new role on 17 October.
