Professor Ivan Cole joined The Australian National University (ANU) with a clear vision for impact and a deep commitment to people and connectivity.
“My passion has always been making a difference. Whether through high-quality research or educating the next generation, I want to contribute to the transitions society needs to make. That’s what drives me, that sense of purpose.”
A globally recognised leader in materials engineering and corrosion science, Cole brings more than three decades of experience across academia, industry and government, with a focus on research that delivers meaningful real-world outcomes.
Professor Cole’s career spans senior roles at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), including Chief Research Scientist, Deputy Chief and Acting Chief, before moving into the university sector at RMIT.
Cole’s interest in science began early.
“When I was a kid, we had a book called ‘Science for the citizen’,” he says.
“I loved the book – and the title. I’ve always believed that while engineering relies on the fundamental sciences, it ultimately needs to serve the community.”
Cole completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of Melbourne with majors in applied mathematics, physics and metallurgy – an uncommon combination that reflects his cross-disciplinary mindset. He went on to complete a PhD in materials engineering at Monash University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Sheffield.
His career began internationally at Centro Sviluppo Materiali, the research arm of Italy’s state-owned steel company ILVA, before later returning to Australia to join CSIRO. There he led significant industry collaborations with organisations such as Boeing, BASF and BAE Systems.
“At CSIRO, you don’t badge yourself as an engineer or a scientist – you’re a researcher. My time there cemented my belief that research should have an impact,” he says.
His research and leadership have shaped Cole’s philosophy of building strong connections, guiding his approach to understanding the needs of industry and partners, and translating research for the broader community.
“I believe the research we do should, in the fullness of time, benefit the public. I want my research to enter the community, or be applied in industry, or be adopted by governments as policy.”
Reflecting on his latest appointment as Director of the ANU School of Engineering, Cole says his decision to join ANU earlier this year was driven by both personal and professional motivations.
“I like the fact that this role combines leading-edge research with translation and teaching. ANU engineering has a scale that allows me to concentrate my efforts where I can really contribute, knowing that deep disciplinary expertise is already well covered.”
Cole is also excited by the prospect of shaping ANU engineering curriculum, ensuring it continues to combine rigorous technical foundations with applied learning.
“You’ve got to get the balance right. An engineering student needs to have a very good grasp of the fundamentals – mathematics, computing, chemistry, and so on. But they learn best by understanding examples.
“There are different ways to promote learning by doing. That can happen in the classroom, in the lab, or through our student clubs building rockets and cars. I’d like to see even greater student and partner involvement into our course design over time.”
Joining ANU, Cole is eager to collaborate with the University’s leading researchers in renewable energy, battery technologies, computing, and the environment to support a decarbonised future and play a role in greening major industries.
He brings complementary expertise in materials science, with a focus on advancing the circular economy and transforming how we approach waste.
“How can we make materials and engineering systems truly circular, rather than just moving from product to waste?
“I’m interested in projects that go beyond finding uses for waste – but rethink how we design materials and systems from the start, so waste is either eliminated or naturally reintegrated into the cycle.”
Cole’s research spans the development of nanomaterials, where he designs non-toxic coatings to reduce environmental harm, removes toxins from materials, and develops materials that break down dyes and contaminants in water and soil.
He’s also created sustainable alternatives to traditional galvanised steel using recycled scrap aluminium.
“I’ve worked on recovering metals from recycled computers, televisions and other electronics. The challenge is that when you melt these materials down – we’re getting into metallurgy here – you don’t get pure zinc or nickel, you get a mixture. Instead of asking, ‘How do I refine this into pure zinc and pure nickel?’, the better question is, ‘How can I use this zinc-nickel mixture?’
“It’s about shifting the mindset,” he says. “Designing processes that work with the waste streams we actually have, rather than trying to force them to fit traditional processes.”
Professor Cole is setting his sights on helping ANU engineering have a positive impact: for students, for industry, and for the planet.
“This is almost certainly the last job I’m going to have before I retire, and I want to make a difference,” he says.
As Director, Cole aims to provide stability and leadership for the ANU School of Engineering, strengthening links between curriculum and industry, and building collaborative partnerships.
“The world needs more connected engineers,” he says. “We’re facing enormous social and environmental challenges, and engineering can be part of the solution. But we can’t do it alone.
“We need to be deeply connected: to community, to scientists, to industry, to governments, and to our students. That’s how we get the ideas and technologies we develop adopted, and driving positive change.”
Interested in partnering with us? Contact the ANU School of Engineering Engagement and Impact team at engagement.eng@anu.edu.au to explore opportunities for research collaboration, expert consultancy, education partnerships, and student engagement.