Stephen Foster is a Professor of Structural Engineering at The University of New South Wales, Sydney, and the former Dean of Engineering (2020-23). He received his PhD from the University of New South Wales in 1993 and has over 40 years’ experience as a structural engineer in practice and in teaching.

He is a member Australian Standards Committee BD2, Chairman of sub-committee BD2/1 “Strength and Analysis, "BD2/6 “Fibre Reinforced Concrete” and BD2/9 “Geopolymer Concrete”. He is a member of Australia Standards Committee BD90.5 “Bridge Design – Concrete”, chaired the BD90.5 working group on “Fibre Reinforced Concrete”, a Member of Canadian Standards Association Task Force on “Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code Ultra High Performance Concrete” (2016-2025) and Working Group (2026-present) and is Chair of Standards Australia Committee BD90.10 for the development of Australian Standard "Bridge Design Part 10: Ultra high performance concrete".

He was the elected President of the International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib) (2023-24) and a member of the fib Presidium (2011-2026).

Stephen has over 430 publications in structural concrete and concrete materials, including textbooks on Reinforced Concrete and Prestressed Concrete. His main research interests are in the fields of bringing new materials technologies to the design of concrete structures, including fibre and ultra-high-performance concrete, low-carbon construction materials such as Geopolymer and alkaline-activated concretes and high-strength reinforcing steels.

He chaired the committee that developed the first national Standards Australia Technical Specification “Design of geopolymer and alkali activated binder concrete structures” (SA TS199:2023).

While Prof Foster remains actively engaged in research and continues to pursue his research interests, he is not currently accepting new PhD or Master's research students as Primary Supervisor.

Awards

Joint-winner, 2006, Faculty of Engineering prize for teaching excellence for the development of ENGG1000 “Design and Innovation”.

Honorary member of the Concrete Institute of Australia, 2015, “In recognition of outstanding contribution to the development and use of concrete in Australia”.

Honorary life member, International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib), 2018, “In recognition of significant personal contributions to the work of the fib”.

As a member of the Australian Standards Committee BD2: Standards Australia 2023 National Innovation Award.

John Connell Gold Medal 2024, Engineers Australia, in recognition of "A significant national and international contribution to the structural engineering profession".

Education

PhD, The University of New South Wales, 1993.

M.EngSc., The University of New South Wales, 1987.

B.E. (Civil) (Hons), New South Wales Institute of Technology, 1983.

Fellowships and Honorary Titles

Fellow, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)

Fellow, Institution of Engineers Australia

Fellow, International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib)

Honorary President, International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib)