Through a new initiative within the program, he is the third industry co-funded appointment.
Dr Vitor Rielli started at UNSW as a Scientia PhD student in early 2019, graduated last year and has now been appointed to the prestigious Scientia Program as part of the new industry co-funded initiative.
Professor Sophie Primig, Alcoa Distinguished Professor, School of Materials Science and Engineering, first met Dr Rielli at a conference in Paris and motivated him to apply for a Scientia PhD position in collaboration with one of her industry partners, a major European aerospace parts manufacturer.
A Scientia Program alumna, Professor Primig said, “I am so excited to mentor Vitor in navigating academia and making a real impact on the world through the research program with our industry partner.”
Dr Rielli’s appointment as a Scientia lecturer in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, with an industry partnership, resonates deeply with his aspirations as an educator and researcher who can make a difference.
“As the second Scientia PhD graduate to transition into the UNSW Scientia Program, I am proud to embody the program's vision of nurturing talent that bridges academia and industry,” he said.
“This journey highlights the outstanding support and mentorship I received, particularly from Professor Primig, a former Scientia Program academic herself.”
What Dr Rielli values the most about the position is the opportunity to demonstrate the real benefits of working closely with industry.
“It allows me to inspire future researchers and showcase how breakthroughs in materials science can lead to cleaner, more efficient processes, supporting the decarbonisation of traditional industries. These meaningful changes extend beyond the laboratory, helping to shape a more sustainable future for Australia and the world.
“I am honoured to contribute to UNSW’s mission to improve lives globally through education and collaborative research that addresses real-world challenges and creates lasting positive change.”
Professor Michael Ferry, Head of School, Materials Science and Engineering, is proud of this appointment and the benefits it will bring to the school.
“I'm thrilled to see yet another wonderfully talented staff member from our school admitted to the prestigious Scientia Program, which is dedicated to developing outstanding research leaders,” he said.
The Scientia Program
The UNSW Scientia Program aims to attract, develop and retain the highest quality researchers who are on a trajectory to becoming exceptional leaders and mentors. The program directly addresses UNSW’s commitment to support research that will change our world for the better.
One of the distinctive features of the program is career development – it aims to provide all Scientia academics with a unique opportunity to progress their research career while enhancing UNSW’s culture of research excellence. The program has supported more than 165 early to mid-career researchers, who are already making an impact in their fields.
A new initiative within the program is the co-funding of positions by an industry partner. These partnerships accelerate innovation with direct opportunity to translate the research for impact and transformation in the industry sector. Implemented in 2023, the industry co-funded Scientia Program initiative aims to further strengthen the translation of critical research through direct collaboration with industry, government, not for profits and other organisations to improve our world.
If you have an industry partner who may be interested in supporting you in a Scientia Program industry co-funded position, please contact Evelyn Mike, Senior Scientia Advisor: evelyn.mike@unsw.edu.au.
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