Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor Tim Smith

Professor Tim Smith is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Southern Cross University and a member of the University’s Executive Leadership Team. He is responsible for shaping the University’s research strategy and performance, strengthening research quality and impact, expanding partnerships, and growing research funding across government, industry and international collaborators.

Professor Smith is an alumnus of Southern Cross University and an internationally recognised human geographer whose research focuses on coastal management, water security and climate change adaptation. His work examines how communities, governments and industries respond to social and environmental change, with a strong focus on translating research into practical outcomes that support environmental sustainability, climate resilience and regional communities.

Prior to joining Southern Cross University, Professor Smith held senior leadership roles at the University of Waikato, including Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences. He has also held other executive and academic leadership positions across Australia and New Zealand, including Executive Dean of Arts, Business and Law at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Society and Design at Lincoln University. Across these roles, he led interdisciplinary research portfolios, strengthened research performance and developed partnerships with government, industry and community organisations.

He also holds adjunct and affiliated Professor positions at Brock University (Canada) and Uppsala University (Sweden). Apart from other academic appointments, he has worked for the CSIRO, government and private industry.

Professor Smith brings extensive experience in research strategy, capability development and institutional leadership. His work supports Southern Cross University’s commitment to research that delivers meaningful outcomes for communities, industry and the environment, while strengthening the University’s national and international research profile.

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