AE Alexander Plenary

Calum Drummond AO is a graduate of The University of Melbourne (BScEd (H1, 1981), BSc Hons (H1, 1982), PhD and DSc in Physical Chemistry (1987 and 2015). He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (2004; FAICD), a Fellow and former Director of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2006; FTSE), a Fellow of the National (USA) Academy of Inventors (2018; FNAI); a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (1994; FRACI) and past RACI Honorary General Treasurer and Council member, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2012; FRSC; UK-based). He is also a Fellow of the Leadership Victoria Williamson Community Leadership Program (1998) and a Fellow of the national Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Program (1997).

As the current RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Research and Innovation and Vice President, he has a leadership role in the development of discovery and practice-based research and in building and enhancing capability in research and innovation across the University. In particular, he has a role in educating and training the next generation of researchers and innovators. Calum has a strong interest and passion for the commercialisation of research outcomes. As an RMIT DVC, he is part of the senior executive team and participates in the overall management of the university. He joined RMIT University in 2014 from CSIRO where he was Group Executive for Manufacturing, Materials and Minerals comprising 1300 researchers and research support staff. Immediately prior to this CSIRO Group Executive appointment, he was Chief of CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE), CSIRO’s largest division. In the Group Executive and Chief roles (2006–2014) he oversaw one of Australia’s largest IP portfolios and the CSIRO SME Engagement Centre. Prior to becoming a Chief, Calum was seconded from CSIRO to be the inaugural Vice President Research at CAP-XX, an Intel portfolio company. CAP-XX develops supercapacitors for consumer electronic products and the automotive industry. In 2006 CAP-XX listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIM).