Scientia Professor Gangadhara Prusty is an internationally respected researcher 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 spearheaded one of the Australis's most impactful initiatives in composites manufacturing automation. Building on AMAC's success, he founded the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC)- initially conceived as the Sovereign Manufacturing Automation for Composites CRC (SoMAC CRC). As the architect of the vision and Leader of the successful national bid, he played a pivotal role in securing this $250 million Commonwealth-funded program (2022-2033). Through strategic collaboration with over 30 partner organisations, the ACM CRC is now set to revolutionise Australia's composite industry through innovation in automated manufacturing. During his secondment from UNSW (2022-2025), Professor Prusty served as the Inaugural Director of Research and Executive Director on the ACM CRC Board, laying the technical and strategic foundations of the Centre.

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)