Nationality Australian Name Alex Zelinsky Term 2012–present Role Computer scientist | Fields mobile robotics Institutions CSIRO, DSTO | |
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Thesis Environment exploration and path planning algorithms for mobile robot navigation using sonar (1991) | ||
National security lecture dr alex zelinsky the chief defence scientist
Alexander "Alex" Zelinsky (born 5 March 1960 in Wollongong, NSW) is Chief Defence Scientist of Australia, a Computer Scientist, a Systems Engineer and a Roboticist. His career spans innovation, science and technology, research and development, commercial start-ups and education. As Chief Defence Scientist he leads Defence Science and Technology for Australia's Department of Defence, having served in that position since March 2012.
Contents
- National security lecture dr alex zelinsky the chief defence scientist
- Career
- Qualifications and Awards
- Lists of Publications
- References

Career
While studying at the University of Wollongong (UoW), Zelinsky started his career in 1978 as a cadet at BHP. In 1984 he joined UoW's academic staff where he taught computer science while completing a PhD in robotics. He worked as a Research Scientist at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan, developing computer vision and robotics technologies (1991–1994). He was appointed Professor of Systems Engineering at the Australian National University in 1996, holding that position until 2004. In 2000 as CEO, he co-founded, and was a non-executive director of, Seeing Machines Limited, a company listed on the London stock exchange (2000-2014). He has also been a Senior Executive at CSIRO (2004–2012), where he served as Director of the ICT Centre (2004–09), and Group Executive of Information Sciences (2007–12).
Qualifications and Awards
Zelinsky has a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours), a Doctor of Philosophy, and in 2010 was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science, all from the University of Wollongong (UoW). He also served as a member of the University of Wollongong Council (2012-2015).
He is a Fellow of:
Some of his awards and appointments include: