Professor John Spoehr has become Flinders University’s first Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Impact).

As Strategic Professor and Director of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute, Professor Spoehr is leading the establishment of the South Australian node of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre and the $1 million Tonsley Manufacturing Innovation Hub.

He is also providing strategic advice in support of the State Government’s policy framework for the development of an ageing well industry for South Australia, entitled ‘Age of Opportunity’.

In addition Professor Spoehr recently secured an ARENA Category 1 funded project to develop a National Roadmap for the Concentrating Solar Thermal Industry in Australia.

Professor Spoehr brings more than 25 years’ experience in social and economic analysis, strategic leadership and state, national and international engagement to this important new role to elevate Flinders’ research profile and impact.

In addition to his substantive position, for the next two years Professor Spoehr will advise on the development of strategies to enhance the University’s international engagement in research, provide strategic leadership in supporting academic staff to generate research grants, and help grow research activity and excellence.

In particular, Professor Spoehr is charged with further enhancing Flinders’ external research engagement through partnerships with industry, government and non-government organisations and improving the University’s national and international research profile and standing.

Professor Spoehr’s appointment signals a strengthening of Flinders’ determination to ensure the University’s ambition to Make a Difference goes beyond words, and results in real actions and real outcomes.