Professor Iven Mareels

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Innovation and Executive Dean, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability

Iven Mareels is the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Innovation and the Executive Dean, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability at Federation University Australia. He is a Director of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and a non-executive Director of Rubicon Water (ASX listed).

Previously, he was a partner in IBM Consulting and Director of the Centre for Applied Research, IBM Australia (April 2021-Aug 2022); Director of IBM Research in Australia (Feb 2018- Mar 2021); Dean of Engineering at the University of Melbourne (2007-2018).

Iven received the PhD in Systems Engineering from the Australian National University (1987), and the Master of Engineering (Electromechanical, ir) from Gent University (1982).

He has co-authored over 500 refereed publications, including 5 monographs. He is a co-inventor of a suite of patents related to the automation of large scale, gravity fed, irrigation systems (with Rubicon Water).

Iven has received a number of awards, including, 2021 IBM Research Achievement Award (bronze level); 2017, Harold Chestnut Control Engineering Textbook Prize; 2014 IEEE Control Systems Society Technology Award; 2013 Asian Control Association Wook Hyun Kwon Education Award; 2008 Clunies Ross Medal for the automation of irrigation.

He received two civil awards. He is a Commander in the Order of the Crown of Belgium, and received the Centenary Medal of Australia for contributions to engineering education and research.

Iven is a culture champion, an experienced R&D manager and research team leader who has managed organisational units of up to 1,000 employees (counting PhD students as junior employees) and an annual budget well in excess of A$300M.

He has worked in a consulting and research capacity with the water industry, electrical power industry and electronics industry, the defense industries as well as other research organisations. The majority of his experience was in the university sector (1977-2018,2022-ongoing).

Iven enjoys developing talent, and shaping organisational culture. He feels immensely rewarded when people reach their full potential whilst being well placed organisationally.

Iven’s personal research focuses on large scale and learning systems (from mathematical modelling to organisational management) such as computational networks, the electricity grid, water distribution networks, and the (human) brain.

Location

Level 1, Building 901
Berwick Campus

Contact

Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability
Federation University Australia
PO Box 663
BALLARAT VIC 3353
Phone: +61 3 8780 5707
Email: execdean.iiss@federation.edu.au