Honorary Doctor elected Fellow of Australia’s leading engineering academy
Professor Graham Wren OBE FTSE FREng FRSE, a 2023 University of Cumbria Honorary Doctorate recipients, has been elected a Foreign Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). Only one Foreign Fellow is elected each year.
It is one of Australia's highest honours in technology and engineering.
Professor Wren joins 33 distinguished Australian innovators elected to the Academy's 2026 Fellowship, recognised for outstanding achievements in applied science, engineering, innovation and technology leadership.
It acknowledges his career that spans more than 40 years in engineering leadership, innovation strategy and the development of major international research ecosystems.
Currently Senior Executive and Special Advisor to the Principal at Strathclyde University, Professor Wren has played a significant role in shaping collaborative initiatives across advanced manufacturing, energy systems, aerospace and technology translation. His work has focused on connecting research excellence with industrial and societal impact, helping to drive economic growth and innovation internationally.
The ATSE citation reads: “Professor Graham Wren is an internationally distinguished engineering leader and innovation strategist. His career, spanning more than 40 years, has been defined by the creation of enduring infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration models and international research ecosystems. He has shaped globally significant initiatives in advanced manufacturing, energy systems, aerospace and technology translation, delivering economic growth and industrial transformation. He has chaired an international review team, that examined the business case for government investment in enhanced facilities and capabilities for Australian nuclear security science supporting national security, resilience and international compliance.
“He is Distinguished Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at UNSW (University of New South Wales), where he has led a UK–Australia proposal for a significant program supporting AUKUS. Professor Wren is renowned for his deep expertise in establishing and governing major research and innovation centres, aligning public investment with industry need, and accelerating commercialisation outcomes.”
Professor Wren, awarded an OBE in 2019 for his services to education, science and engineering, was born and raised in west Cumbria. He is currently working with our university to support developments across our engineering and business areas.
This latest achievement comes after Professor Wren was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2024.
A full list and details of all new ATSE Fellows is available here.