Craig T. Simmons

Prof. Craig T. Simmons is a globally recognized academic and leader in Earth Sciences and Groundwater at the University of Newcastle. He currently serves as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, overseeing five schools: Architecture and Built Environment; Engineering; Environmental and Life Sciences; Information and Physical Sciences; and Psychological Sciences.

• Former roles include Executive Director of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences at the Australian Research Council (ARC), and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Research Projects) at Flinders University.
• Founder and Director of the ARC National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.

His research focuses on groundwater science, policy reform, and climate resilience, addressing challenges like water security, coal seam gas impacts, and nuclear waste disposal. He co-authored the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report and led the UN's World Water Development Report on groundwater visibility.

Key awards include Fellowships from the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and American Geophysical Union, alongside the IAH Presidents’ Award (2022) and Anton Hales Medal (Earth Sciences).

Prof. Simmons advocates for proactive science education and community collaboration, emphasizing the role of engineering and geosciences in global sustainability. His work integrates research, policy, and education to address water-energy-food nexus challenges and regional transformation toward green technologies.

Notable contributions include developing mathematical models for groundwater dynamics, advancing managed aquifer recharge guidelines, and promoting interdisciplinary approaches to hydrogeology. His leadership bridges academic research with practical solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable resource management.