Scott Smith

Scott Smith is Professor of Structural Engineering in the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE); Deputy Dean International (DDI) for the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET); and Deputy Chair of Academic Board at The University of Adelaide, Australia. He was awarded BE (Civil) (1994) and PhD (1999) (specialising in structural engineering) degrees from the University of New South Wales, Australia; MBA and DIC (2018) from Imperial College London, UK; Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning (2005) from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. Prior to commencing at The University of Adelaide in 2019, he has held roles of Founding Dean of Engineering at Southern Cross University, faculty member at The University of Hong Kong, and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Professor Smith has been entrusted with several leadership roles throughout his career, such as academic leadership (Deputy Dean International SET Faculty and Interim Head of School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Adelaide), research leadership (President, International Institute for FRP in Construction, IIFC), education leadership (Executive Committee member, Australasian Association for Engineering Education, AAEE), industry leadership (Chair, Engineers Australia Hong Kong Chapter), and service leadership (Executive Committee member, Australian Council of Engineering Deans, ACED). In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he has been elected to Fellowships of eight institutions around the world (Engineers Australia; American Concrete Institute; American Society of Civil Engineers; International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering; Royal Society of NSW; Royal Society of SA; International Institute for FRP in Construction; The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers).

Professor Smith researches in two main complementary areas, namely (i) materials, structures and construction practices for off-earth (extra-terrestrial) applications; and (ii) application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for repair and rehabilitation of existing built infrastructure as well as for new construction. He has published widely in the FRP composites in civil engineering field and has won several research awards such as Distinguished Young Researcher Award from the International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC), Warren Medal from Engineers Australia, Howard Medal from the UK Institution of Civil Engineers, as well as best paper awards at conferences. His research findings have been incorporated into design guidelines around the world via prominent organisations such as Standards Australia and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). To support his research activities, he has been awarded research funds in excess of AUD$11 million throughout his career. He has also published over 280 publications and delivered over 230 presentations in a professional capacity.

Professor Smith keeps abreast of educational trends and practices, and also contributes to discourse in the sector, as a member of the Executive Committee of the Australian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE). Additionally, he is active in curriculum and pedagogy development in Australian and Hong Kong universities and has delivered a variety of subjects related to analysis and design (concrete, steel, timber) in structural engineering, engineering materials, repair and rehabilitation of the built environment, sustainable development, communication, and research ethics in a lecturing capacity since 2003 and a tutoring capacity since 1995. In recognition of his teaching efforts, he has won a Best Teacher Award from the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Hong Kong.

Professor Smith is Immediate Past President of the International Institute for FRP in Construction of which the IIFC is an institute representing over 800 leaders around the world in academia and practice involved with research and application of FRP composites in the built environment. He served as President from 2018 to 2023. He is also Founding President of the Australian Society for Off-Earth Construction, having commenced the Society in 2022. Professor Smith is the originator of two conference series, namely (i) Asia-Pacific Conference on FRP in Structures (APFIS) (founded in 2007) and (ii) International Symposium on Off-Earth Construction (ISOC) (founded in 2022).