Professor David Young Emeritus Professor Appointment Speech

Sep 15, 2026

A formal presentation highlights Professor David Young’s academic journey and leadership achievements in chemistry and higher education. The speech traces his doctoral training beginning in 1986, followed by postdoctoral work and decades of teaching and governance roles across Australian and international universities. It details his strategic faculty restructuring, inclusion and diversity efforts, scale of leadership, and continued research productivity, culminating in his appointment to the Charles Darwin University Confucius Institute and later transition to the University of Glasgow. Recognition culminates in awarding Emeritus Professor status for service to chemistry and education.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Professor David Young’s academic background

Doctoral training and early research

Teaching and leadership roles

Australia and international appointments

Charles Darwin University leadership

Faculty scale, restructuring, and inclusion

Confucius Institute appointment and research impact

Appointment to the University of Glasgow and emeritus recognition

Chancellor, I have the pleasure of presenting Professor David Young, who has been awarded the honorary title of Emeritus Professor. Professor Young commenced his tertiary education at the University of Queensland, where following undergraduate and postgraduate studies he obtained his PhD in March 1986. This marked the beginning of a long and prosperous academic career in chemistry, beginning with postdoctoral research training with the University College of North Wales and the University of Oxford. In the following decades, Professor Young held numerous teaching and leadership positions in Australia including at the University of Sydney , Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, and at University of the Sunshine Coast. Professor Young also served in leadership positions internationally at the National University of Singapore, at Brunei’s Universiti Brunei Darussalam , and at Monash University Malaysia. In 2018 Professor Young began his journey at Charles Darwin University. He was the inaugural Dean of the former College of Engineering, Information Technology and Environment, and remained as Pro Vice-Chancellor when it transitioned into the Faculty of Engineering, Information Technology and the Environment. Professor Young led a total 180 staff, 2,300 fulltime students, and revenue of $57 million, alongside two research institutes and the three research centres within them. Professor Young made significant contributions to this area of the University, overseeing three restructures of the Faculty and bringing it to a healthy financial state, increasing internship opportunities for students, and increasing inclusion and diversity within the Faculty’s staff and students. He was also the only Dean to teach undergraduate courses during his tenure at the University. In 2020 Professor Young was appointed Director of the Charles Darwin University Confucius Institute, leading eight staff to deliver Chinese and language culture classes to 2,400 school and adult learners across the Northern Territory. Professor Young continued his research efforts, publishing significant research in Q1 journals and earning two national research medals by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Professor Young ended his esteemed time at Charles Darwin University in 2023 to join the University of Glasgow. Chancellor, In recognition of his contribution to the field of chemistry and to education, Charles Darwin University council awards Professor David Young the title of Emeritus Professor.

FAQs

What academic milestone marks the start of Professor David Young’s career in the speech?

The speech notes that he obtained his PhD in March 1986, beginning a long academic career in chemistry.

What leadership responsibilities did Professor Young hold at Charles Darwin University?

He served as inaugural Dean of the former College of Engineering, Information Technology and Environment, later as Pro Vice-Chancellor, leading 180 staff and 2,300 full-time students.

Why was Professor David Young awarded the Emeritus Professor title?

The council recognized his contributions to chemistry and education, honoring his service and impact on university teaching, research, and leadership.

Sep 15, 2026

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