Professor Claire Lenehan has been appointed as the Director of Flinders’ Factory of the Future.
A leading chemistry and forensics researcher with decades of experience in product development, Professor Lenehan is bringing her expertise working with industry and government into her new role leading a world-class advanced manufacturing facility.
The Flinders’ Factory of the Future is bringing together industry, education, and researchers to develop powerful capabilities in key sectors such as defence and digital technologies.
Currently being built in tandem with Tonsley Technical College, it’s part of a collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, and private industry, to capitalise on opportunities in the defence sector and to bolster capacity in local manufacturing.
Professor Lenehan’s past industry experience includes her contribution to the development of technology that rapidly detects chemical hazards and concealed explosives in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group.
She has also worked on developing techniques to improve the efficiency and yield of plant extracts with Jurlique International – a global, natural skincare company.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan, said Professor Lenehan’s stewardship will drive Flinders strategic engagement with industry and government to new heights at the Factory of the Future.
“Professor Lenehan is a passionate advocate for university and industry collaboration and is uniquely positioned to lead the Factory of the Future through a transdisciplinary approach that realises its full potential.”
“The Factory of the Future is Australia’s first industrial-scale high-value manufacturing research and accelerator facility, and Professor Lenehan’s leadership will ensure it’s delivering at the cutting edge of industry-linked research and education.”
Alongside her new leadership role, Professor Lenehan also serves as the Chair of the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute Steering Committee and is a past President of the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering.
Professor Lenehan commences her role on February 10, moving from her current position as Dean of Research in the College of Science & Engineering.
Flinders University’s Factory of the Future is supported by grant funding from the Australian Government and $9 million funding from the South Australian government.