Professor Pascal Perez named Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network director

Professor Pascal Perez has been appointed as the new director of the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN), a network of researchers and data providers specialising in urban, regional, and social research across the academic, government, and private sectors.

AURIN provides researchers access to thousands of multidisciplinary datasets, analytical and mapping tools to enable high-value research – driving greater innovation in Australia’s human settlements, and to address national and global challenges in urban and regional planning and infrastructure.

Professor Perez, a long-time member of the AURIN community, including as chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee and member of the AURIN Board said it was an excellent time to be taking on the role of director.

“I look forward to joining the team as we shape AURIN’s future while continuing to enable vital research across Australia,” Professor Perez said.

“I’m grateful to the University of Melbourne for placing their trust in me and excited to lead a unique team of highly experienced academics and professionals. As climatic, demographic and economic drivers converge to challenge the intimate fabric of our cities and regional centres, AURIN has a key role to play in informing evidence-based urban and infrastructure planning and management.”

Professor Perez was most recently director of the SMART Infrastructure Facility at the University of Wollongong, overseeing research in infrastructure-related fields such as water and energy efficiency, future transport and mobility, and smart cities and communities. He is a specialist in integrative infrastructure modelling and socio-technological transitions.

Professor Julie Willis, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne said “AURIN has helped researchers push boundaries across various research disciplines, which has translated into real-world benefits for people in Australia. We are excited for Pascal to lead AURIN – his extensive experience will set the stage for the network to achieve even greater impact,”

“We look forward to seeing AURIN’s important work continue to flourish under Pascal’s leadership.”

AURIN is hosted by the University of Melbourne Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, and funded by NCRIS (National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy).