Industry Insight Symposium (Adelaide)

Join us for our final AusIMM New Professionals Network event of 2025! We are delighted to close the year with an exclusive keynote and leadership discussion, hosted by the AusIMM New Professionals Network, in partnership with the Adelaide Branch and WIMnet SA.

About this event

This event brings together two of Australia’s most influential academic and industry leaders, addressing the resources community for the first time in their new roles.

Keynote Speaker - Professor David Lewis
Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology – University of Adelaide

Pro Vice-Chancellor (elect), College of Engineering and Information Technology – Adelaide University

Professor David Lewis is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and a dynamic leader across the petroleum, mining, automation, and defence sectors. With more than two decades of experience driving innovation, sustainability, and workforce development, David is shaping the next generation of engineering and technology leaders.

His current research spans industrial decarbonisation, semiconductor manufacturing, and e-waste recycling, demonstrating his commitment to a sustainable future for critical industries.

Interactive Q&A with Professors David Lewis & Nikki Stanford

Professor Nikki Stanford

Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Science – Adelaide University
Professor Nikki Stanford is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in materials science and engineering. Formerly Dean of Programs for Engineering and Aviation at UniSA and an Executive Member of the Australian Council of Engineering Deans, she now serves as:

•    President, Materials Australia
•    Editor-in-Chief, Alloys journal

Nikki’s career includes research positions at Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Wollongong, Deakin University, and Monash University. She is widely known for bridging the gap between fundamental science and engineering, applying advanced characterisation to real-world challenges including fatigue, casting, and lightweight materials. Her seminal work on magnesium ductility has been recognised with international honours.

A first-of-its-kind session

This will be the first time Professors Lewis and Stanford address the resources sector in their new leadership roles. Together, they will share:

•    Lessons in engineering leadership and research impact
•    Perspectives on Australia’s future talent pipeline
•    Pathways to sustainable, innovative industry practice
•    Guidance for emerging professionals forging careers in a rapidly transforming sector

Following their presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A with both David and Nikki, gaining practical advice and inspiration from their extensive experience.

Don’t miss this flagship end-of-year event — a unique opportunity to hear from two leading voices shaping the future of engineering, science, and industry.

Secure your place today — we look forward to celebrating with you.

The event will be held in the Adelaide CBD & Venue details will be released two days prior to the event.

Speaker/s

Professor David Lewis

Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Engineering and Information Technology, Adelaide University

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Professor David Lewis is an accomplished Chartered Chemical Engineer and an influential leader in academia and industry. He currently serves as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide and is Pro Vice-Chancellor (elect), College of Engineering and Information Technology for Adelaide University.

David’s extensive career spans diverse industries, including petroleum, mining, automation, hospitality, and defence, giving him unparalleled expertise in risk management and business operations. His leadership acumen is reflected in his ability to drive innovation, inspire teams, and foster impactful partnerships.

Passionate about education and leadership, David champions mentoring, inclusiveness, and empowerment to develop future leaders and engineers. His academic vision emphasises quality, efficiency, and safety in teaching and research practices. A prominent researcher, David focuses on pioneering sustainable technologies that enable the decarbonisation of industrial processes, with a current emphasis on the sustainable manufacture of semiconductors and recycling of e-waste. He also chairs key forums at the university, ensuring strategic alignment and collaboration across faculties, furthering his commitment to environmental sustainability and academic excellence.

David Lewis is a trailblazer whose career seamlessly integrates leadership, innovation, and a dedication to global progress.

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Professor Nikki Stanford

Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Science at Adelaide University

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Professor Stanford is an accomplished executive leader in research, teaching and academia, internationally leading Materials scientist with a wealth of experience in fundamental research, industry research, infrastructure management, academic leadership and curriculum development. Committed to the development and execution of high quality, industry-informed programs that support students in achieving their professional goals. Passionate about driving equity in STEM, with a strong focus on creating pathways to engaging women as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the STEM fields.

Professor Stanford is currently the Pro-Vice Chancellor for the College of Science in Adelaide University. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the peer reviewed journal called Alloys, and is the President of Materials Australia, the nations peak body for materials science and engineering. Prior to her appointment in the newly formed Adelaide University, Professor Stanford was the Dean of Programs for Engineering and Aviation at the University of South Australia. Prof Stanford has also held a position as a Research Leader in UniSA’s Future Industries Institute where she worked on industry-sponsored projects such as pipeline integrity, coatings and 3D printing. Her niche in the materials research field has been to bridge the gap between engineering and science by applying a broad range of advanced characterisation techniques to “real world” problems such as fatigue, light-weighting and casting.

Before joining UniSA, Prof Stanford held research positions with Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, University of Wollongong, Deakin University and Monash. Her seminal work on magnesium texture and ductility has received an International award.