Max Lu

About

Professor Lu has over 38 years of teaching and research experience in chemical engineering and nanotechnology, working closely with industries. He has published over 600 peer-reviewed articles with over 1112,000 citations (h-index of 165). He was Clarivate Highly Cited Scientist in both Chemistry and Materials Science as listed in the World's Most Influential Scientific Minds (). Several of his 25 international patents on novel nanomaterials have been licensed or being commercialised for energy and environmental applications. Professor Lu is an effective university leader with passion, vision and strategy for teaching and research excellence, and industry collaboration. He has extensive experience in managing large research centres, institutes and high-performing administrative teams, and has outstanding track record in enhancing institutional reputation and performance in research and innovation. He also has wide experience in serving as director on boards, advisory board and high-level committees associated with both government and public sector organisations. He was the inaugural Provost of the Univeristy of Queensland with responsibilities for strategic planning, budget and line management of all faculties and institutes. He was the fifth President and Vice-Chancellor of the Univeristy of Surrey. He has served on the Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology, and as Director of UK Research and Innovation. In May 2025, he became the 6th Vice-Chancellor and President of the Univeristy of Wollongong. He is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, Royal Academy of Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science (Foreign Member), and The World Academy of Science.