Professor Elanor Huntington

Professor Elanor Huntington is Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the Australian National University (ANU). Elanor is an established senior academic leader, with Board appointments to Innovation Science Australia, Significant Capital Ventures, Questacon and other government scientific advisory roles. In 2017 she was named an honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia and led the extended Group of Eight (Go8+) Engineering Deans as first female Chair up until 2019.
Prior to joining the ANU, Elanor was the Head of Engineering and IT at University of New South Wales (UNSW). During this time, she helped bring about significant transformation within the School, including setting up UNSW Space and The Australian Centre for Cyber Security.
In 2000, Elanor completed her PhD in experimental Quantum Optics at the ANU. Her current research includes the control of quantum systems, more specifically; the interface between theory and applications. In 2009, Elanor completed a Masters of Information Technology, also through the ANU.
Elanor has recently been selected to provide expert advice to the newly established Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. In 2017 she delivered a TEDxSydney Talk on ‘Why we need Engineers now more than ever’ and later in 2019, co-founded the Engineering for Australia Taskforce to provide expert advice on addressing barriers to women’s participation in university engineering programs.
As Dean, Elanor does more than contemplate the difference between distinctions and high distinctions. Her innovative thinking has recast engineering and computer science at the ANU with an unprecedented investment to reimagine the way we do things.
Connect with Professor Huntington:
Honours and Awards:
- Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia (HonFIEAust) 2017
- Finalist Telstra Business Women of the Year, Academia 2019
- Finalist CSIRO Eureka Prize, Leadership in Innovation and Science 2019
Memberships:
- Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (MIEEE)
- Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia (MIEAust)
Consulting interests:
- Laser safety
The Dean of the College is responsible for the strategic direction of the College, including oversight of research, education, and community engagement outcomes, as well as having responsibility for coordinating key functions across CECS to ensure delivery of those outcomes.
- Prime responsibilities include:
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- development of the College Operational Plan
- alignment of the College budget with the strategic plan
- ensuring appropriate administration mechanisms are in place
- chairing the College Executive Committee
- overseeing the achievement of overall College research and education outcomes identified in the strategic plan
Prof. Huntington's research interest is in the area of experimental quantum optics, specialising in high-speed measurement, control and generation of non-classical states for quantum technological applications. Non-classical states are used as an input to a variety of quantum technologies and, as such, the ability to make, measure, and manipulate such states with high precision and at high speeds is crucial. Prof Huntington is the author of several research publications and patents in this area.
For more information - Google scholar profile
- 23 Jan 2019: The Australian: Engineering needs humanities touch
- 23 Jan 2019: Ockham's Razor - Program podcast: Problem finders' for the wicked challenges ahead
- 23 May 2018: Sydney Writers Festival: Women In Tech: Okay Ladies, Now Let's Get Information (Track 4)
- 9 May 2018: Australian Cyber Security Magazine: Women in Cyber Panel, Australian Cyber Security Centre Conference
- 3 May 2018: Create Digital: Trust in engineering is more important than ever -here's why
- 22 February 2018: ANU Reporter: Making our high-tech future
- 3 November 2017: Create Digital: Do engineering programs need to be overhauled?
- 31 October 2017: Australian Financial Review: The charge of the Australian cyber Light Horse
- 4 September 2017: Engineers Australia: Integrating technology and society – the new wave of engineering
- 10 July 2017: Radio New Zealand: Encouraging young women to choose maths and science
- 16 June 2017: TEDx Sydney talk: Why we need engineers now more than ever
- 19 April 2017: ANU National Security College: Women, STEM and security
- 8 March 2017: Broad Agenda: For young girls STEM equality starts at home
- 4 August 2016: The Australian Rewire Special Report: Problem solvers