Emeritus Professor
Citation delivered by Professor Michael Lerch at the University of Wollongong on the occasion of the admission of Anh Kiet Tieu as an Emeritus Professor on 5 November 2026.
Chancellor, I present to you Senior Professor Anh Kiet Tieu.
Enduring academic distinction is built not only on research achievement, but on leadership that shapes institutions, mentorship that develops people, and service that strengthens collaboration across borders. For more than four decades, Senior Professor Tieu has exemplified these qualities through a career that has advanced mechanical engineering and materials science while profoundly enriching the University of Wollongong.
Senior Professor Tieu joined the University in 1982 and has remained closely connected throughout a distinguished professional journey that culminated in his appointment as Senior Professor. From his earliest years at Wollongong, he brought ambition, intellectual rigour and an outward-looking perspective that would help position the University as a recognised centre of excellence in advanced manufacturing and engineering research.
His service finished in early 2025, followed immediately by his appointment as an Honorary Professor, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the University’s academic mission.
Internationally recognised as a pioneer in tribology and materials processing, his scholarly influence is both deep and sustained. He has authored more than 800 scholarly works, including hundreds of peer-reviewed journal articles, attracting over 13,000 citations. His research excellence has placed him among the world’s most influential scientists in his field, with international rankings consistently recognising his global impact.
Through sustained success in competitive funding, including numerous national grants and large-scale industry partnerships, he has secured more than $24 million in research support, elevating UOW’s standing in engineering research and innovation.
Equally significant has been his leadership within the University. As Head of Mechanical Engineering from 1997 and later inaugural Head of the School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering from 2003 to 2008, he strengthened the School’s research culture and academic reputation during a formative period of growth. He played a key role in establishing and sustaining the undergraduate Mechatronics Engineering degree and contributed extensively to University governance through service on senior committees, including the University Senate and research leadership bodies.
Senior Professor Tieu’s dedication to mentoring is a defining feature of his legacy. He has supervised 68 doctoral candidates and six master’s students, many of whom now hold senior academic and industry positions worldwide, and he has consistently supported early- and mid-career researchers. His international collaborations, particularly with partners in China, have fostered enduring scholarly networks and strengthened the University’s global engagement.
In recognition of his lifetime of achievement, he has received prestigious honours, including the William Johnson International Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Materials Processing, international research awards from leading academies, and election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
Senior Professor Tieu’s career embodies the University’s commitment to research excellence, leadership, and the development of future generations of engineers.
Chancellor, it is my privilege to present Senior Professor Anh Kiet Tieu for admission as an Emeritus Professor.