Professor Hamish Campbell is a distinguished research leader at Charles Darwin University, serving as Director of the North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) since 2022. He leads a multi-disciplinary research program that integrates emerging technologies into industries and sectors important to the Australian economy and livelihoods. His research portfolio spans spatial science, environmental science, marine biology, agriculture, horticulture, primary health, electrical engineering, mechatronics, aviation, information technology, AI, and Indigenous studies, reflecting a highly integrative approach to solving contemporary regional and global challenges.
Prof. Campbell has built and sustained high‑performing research ecosystems, secured diverse funding streams, and overseen grant administration, integrity, risk management, and governance across complex programs. Under his leadership, NACAS has delivered a cross‑faculty research program, expanded industry partnerships, and attracted significant external funding.
He has pioneered an Advanced Manufacturing Test Lab, Australia’s first UAV Airspace integration facility (AIR‑F), and a High Performance AI processing Data Centre. These facilities have enabled CDU to develop new collaborations with industry, government, and academia whilst strengthening regional capability in North Australia.
He maintains active service as a research grant assessor and evaluator of scientific reports and government plans. His work has been recognised with multiple awards for strategic partnerships and research excellence.