Professor Gangadhara Prusty

Scientia Professor Gangadhara Prusty is a globally recognised authority in composite mechanics, with expertise spanning nano-, micro-, and macro-scale systems. His interdisciplinary research integrates the mechanics of advanced materials with state-of-the-art manufacturing automation, delivering pioneering innovations in structural composites and biomechanics applications.

As the Founding Director of the ARC Training Centre for Automated Manufacture of Advanced Composites (AMAC), Professor Prusty led one of Australia’s most influential programs in composites automation. Building on AMAC’s national success, he played a foundational role in conceiving and securing the Sovereign Manufacturing Automation of Composites CRC (SoMAC CRC), now known as the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC). As the architect of the original vision and leader of the successful bid, he helped shape this $250 million Commonwealth-funded initiative (2022–2033), designed to transform Australia's composites industry through manufacturing automation and collaboration with more than 30 partner organisations. During his secondment from UNSW (2022-2025), he served as Director of Research and Executive Director on the Board, where he established the centre’s strategic and technical foundation.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Professor Prusty has secured more than 100 competitive research grants, authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications, and supervised more than 35 Higher Degree Research candidates. His innovations include patented dental composites and numerous invention disclosures across the domains of materials science and manufacturing.

A passionate educator, Professor Prusty has developed award-winning teaching innovations, including adaptive e-learning tools and the world’s first adaptive MOOC in Engineering Mechanics. His contributions to education have earned national recognition, including an Australian Award for University Teaching.

He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Professor Prusty continues to influence global research, policy, and industrial practice through his leadership in composite materials and engineering education.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Engineering Mechanics
• Mechanics of Solids
• Composites: Materials, Mechanics and Manufacturing

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Fellow, Institution of Engineers Australia (IEAust)
• Fellow, Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA)
• Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)

ROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• UNSW Host, World Engineering Day-2022
• Co-host, 9th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM9), 27-29th Nov 2017.
• Member of Experts, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), Australian Government.
• Research Leader, Advanced Structures and Materials research group of MECHENG
• Organising and Technical Committee member for International Maritime Conference (IMC), Australasian Congress of Applied Mechanics (ACAM) & Sixth International Composites Conference (ACUN6)