David Singleton to chair Smart Cities Research Institute board

Swinburne University of Technology has appointed David Singleton to chair the Advisory Board of the new Smart Cities Research Institute.

Mr Singleton holds several roles as a non-executive director including member of Swinburne’s board, a director and Chairman of Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia and a member of the Future Business Council.  

“I am thrilled to be part of the Smart Cities Research Institute,” Mr Singleton says.     

“As smart cities around the world continue to evolve, we are seeing a greater understanding of the concept.

“It’s not just about using clever technology to make a city more liveable and adaptable, it’s also about world class infrastructure, living infrastructure and buildings and capturing data to improve each person’s experience.”

Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Development, Professor Aleksandar Subic is excited to see Mr Singleton take on this new role.

“We are pleased to have David lead the industry advisory board of our new Smart Cities Research Institute. The Institute aims to tackle grand challenges facing our cities by collaborating actively with industry, business and community,” Professor Subic says.  

“We need their valuable input at the ‘table’ as we work together to create impact for our society.”

The Smart Cities Research Institute is looking at making cities accessible to their resident populations, reducing congestion and enhancing economic productivity, decarbonising urban travel and improving human health.

Mr Singleton says that it’s a lot more than just throwing a bunch of technologies at a city and seeing which ones stick.

“There has to be an end game and the human context must be considered. A smart city is as much about the people as it is about technology, and the Smart Cities Institute is an exciting step in the smart cities dialogue to ensure we are on the right path to ensure progress is worthwhile and effective.”

Media enquiries