Rate My Professor Craig Simmons

Professor Craig T. Simmons FAA FTSE serves as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle, providing executive leadership across its schools including Engineering, Environmental and Life Sciences, Information and Physical Sciences, and Psychological Sciences. A Doctor of Philosophy graduate from Flinders University, he is internationally renowned for his expertise in groundwater science, with research specializations in groundwater hydrology, modelling, and hydrogeology. His work has advanced understanding of variable-density groundwater flow, solute transport, ecohydrological processes, seawater intrusion, and surface water-groundwater interactions, applying these to challenges in coastal aquifers, arid environments, and fractured rock systems. Professor Simmons' research has directly influenced policy and management in areas such as food and water security, coal seam gas extraction, fracking, nuclear waste disposal, mining impacts, and energy sector transitions.

Professor Simmons' distinguished career includes roles as Executive Director of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences at the Australian Research Council, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Research Projects at Flinders University, and Foundation Director of the ARC National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. He is a lead author of the United Nations World Water Development Report titled “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” and a co-author of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. His contributions have earned him Fellowship in the Australian Academy of Science (2022), Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and American Geophysical Union, along with the Anton Hales Medal for distinguished contributions to research in the Earth Sciences, South Australian Scientist of the Year, Australian Water Professional of the Year, Australian Award for University Teaching (2002), and the Presidents’ Award of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (2022). Notable publications include books Integrated Groundwater Management (2016) and Groundwater in the Coastal Zones of Asia-Pacific (2013); chapters such as “Groundwater resources in Australia—their occurrence, management, and future challenges” (2021) and “The future of groundwater science and research” (2021); and papers like “Global water resources and the role of groundwater in a resilient water future” (2023) and “Seawater intrusion processes, investigation and management: Recent advances and future challenges” (2013). In 2024, he was appointed Chief Scientist for South Australia.