After 25 years of exceptional service to The University of Queensland, Professor Zhiguo Yuan AM has advised his intentions to retire in the coming weeks.
Prof Yuan’s tenure as Director of the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB - formerly AWMC) has seen the Centre grow from strength to strength, including the introduction of several new research capabilities.
“It has been an incredible experience to be part of this world-leading water research centre in the past 25 years," Professor Yuan said.
“I have enjoyed every minute working in the centre, and truly appreciate all the support I’ve received in my time as a researcher, Deputy Director, and as Director for the last 7 years.
“ACWEB is very strong right now, I have full confidence that the Centre will continue growing through this transition, and into the future under new leadership.”
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology Professor Vicki Chen acknowledged the enormous contribution Professor Yuan has made to UQ.
“On behalf of UQ, the Centre, students, and employees, we thank Zhiguo for his leadership over the past 7 years, and his tireless work over the past 25 years at UQ.”
Prof Yuan first joined the Centre in 1998 as a post-doctoral research fellow, took on the role of Deputy Director in 2001, before taking up the role of Centre Director in 2015.
The Centre has added research capabilities in the digital water sector, as well as expanding the portfolio in environmental biotechnology, along with a new Master of Professional Engineering degree for the water industry, helping to create the next generation of water professionals with the new Urban Water Engineering program.
During his time with the Centre, Prof Yuan became an IWA Distinguished Fellow and an ATSE Fellow, received the Clunies Ross Award, was named in the Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia, was awarded the highly prestigious ARC Australian Laureate Fellowship, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
He has received over $50M in competitive research funding including many ARC Discovery and Linkage grants. On top of his incredible research and publication outputs he also supervised more than 80 PhD students and a similar number of early career researchers.
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