Prof Alan E. Rowan

Professor Alan Rowan is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Wollongong (UOW), leading the university’s research strategy, innovation agenda, and partnerships with industry, government and global collaborators. An internationally recognised scientist and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, he has made major contributions across chemistry, biology, materials science and nanotechnology. Before joining UOW, Professor Rowan was Director of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland, where he led more than 500 researchers and drove major advances in translational science. At UOW, he champions the university’s world-class research strengths, including materials science, AI, health and medical innovation, and sustainability. He also supports the growth of the Innovation Campus—UOW’s research and industry precinct—and iAccelerate, Australia’s leading university-backed startup accelerator. Through these platforms, he is strengthening UOW as a hub for research excellence, industry engagement and entrepreneurial impact.