Monash University appoints new Head of Department, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Professor Mahmoud Mostafavi has been appointed as the new Professor and Head of Department, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University. 

Monash is a modern, global, research-intensive university, delivering education and research excellence in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific. They are making a positive impact on today's global challenges – whether that is by mitigating climate change, easing geopolitical insecurity, or fostering healthy communities.

Monash Engineering is a multi-disciplinary Faculty involved in internationally relevant engineering developments. Monash University has a strong global reputation supported by impressive credentials. The Faculty of Engineering at Monash is rated as the number one engineering school in Australia and within the top one per cent of world universities (Times Higher Education Rankings 2024).

Society was tasked to identify a Head of Department who could bring a deep personal commitment to, and reputation in both education and research. We collaborated with Monash University to find a distinguished Professor who could expand the Department’s international profile and its interdisciplinary research, whilst leading innovative pedagogical activities to ensure that the students’ experience is of the highest standard and globally recognisable.

Professor Mostafavi is currently a Professor of Structural Integrity and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair at the University of Bristol. His research is at the intersection of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering focusing on safety sensitive industries. He combines advanced experimental techniques at different length scales with cutting-edge modelling to shed light on the behaviour of complex materials, metallic alloys in particular. Having worked with leading industrial collaborators such as EDF, UK Atomic Energy Authority, and Rolls-Royce, he is excited to expand his research horizon beyond UK and Europe. 

He aims to assist the highly qualified researchers at Monash to amplify the impact of their research. An enthusiastic and competent manager with a track record of leading multi-million pound, multi-partner, and complex projects. Mahmoud is excited to bring his leadership experience to the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University. As a keen educator, he also aims to work with the outstanding academic staff in the Department to enhance Monash students experience.

When asked for comment, Professor Mostafavi had this to say:

“I am ecstatic to be given the opportunity to take the role of Professor and Head of Department at Monash University. Monash is a world leading University, and the Department is highly regarded internationally; it is an honour to be a part of its community. This is an exciting new chapter in my career, and I very much am looking forward to the new experiences it will bring. I also would like to thank Society for their support during this exciting process. They have been a supportive and calming professional team which made the process an enjoyable journey”.

Society wishes Professor Mostafavi all the very best in his new role.