Michael Bruenig

Professor Michael Bruenig is the Head of School for the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at The University of Queensland (UQ), a position he has held since 2016, with an interim role as Head of UQ’s Business School from 2019–2021. He previously led the CSIRO’s $140m National Research Flagship on Digital Productivity and co-founded Data61. With a PhD from RWTH Aachen University, his career spans automotive R&D in Germany, Silicon Valley, and Australia.

He holds a Master’s and PhD in Science from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. His research focuses on strategic innovation, entrepreneurship, and translating research into industry impact through ventures like UQ Cyber, the National Industry 4.0 Energy Testlab, and the QLD Government AI Hub. He pioneered UQ’s Bachelor of Computer Science, Master of Cyber Security (based on US NICE Framework), and online Master of Business Analytics.

His work spans robotics, sensor networks, and terahertz technology, with recent articles addressing lidar-based navigation, terahertz imaging, and cybersecurity. He advises startups and sits on boards, driving commercialization and spin-offs. Key initiatives include UQ Innovate and UQ Ventures, fostering student and faculty entrepreneurship.

Labs and teams include collaborations on AI, Industry 4.0, and energy systems. His leadership emphasizes cross-disciplinary projects and curriculum innovation in tech and data fields.