Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi is currently Swinburne University of Technology’s inaugural Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Chief of Defence Innovation. Saeid Nahavandi received a Ph.D. from Durham University, U.K. in 1991. His research interests include autonomous systems, modeling of complex systems, robotics and haptics. Saeid was the recipient of the Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2022 from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering, Researcher of the Year for Australian Space Awards 2021, Australian Defence Industry Awards - Winner of Innovator of the year, The Essington Lewis Awards, and Australian Engineering Excellence Awards - Professional Engineer of the Year.

In a career spanning over 27 years, Professor Saeid Nahavandi is recognised nationally and internationally for his research and contributions in intelligent systems, encompassing robotic and haptic, as well as modelling and simulation technologies. He provides consultancy to governments and industry in Australia, USA, and Europe. He has pioneered novel haptially-enabled robotic and virtual reality systems for use in contested environments and his research has transitioned into products for both civilian and defence applications. He has led research teams to develop several world-first haptically-enabled systems that have benefited industry.