RMIT University appoints new Head to build Vietnam’s leading creative and technology schools

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RMIT University appoints new Head to build Vietnam’s leading creative and technology schools

Professor Julia Gaimster has been appointed as the new Head of RMIT University’s School of Communication & Design and School of Science & Technology.

With a Master of Design from London’s Royal College of Art, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Surrey, Professor Julia Gaimster says her vision is to establish the School of Communication & Design (SCD) as the leading creative school in Vietnam.

“Vietnam is an interesting country with a long history of creativity and a massive pool of talented minds. Through RMIT University’s high standard of education, I see lots of opportunities to nurture and support the future talent in Vietnam’s creative industries.”

Professor Gaimster’s priority in her first year will be to build upon and grow SCD programs to enhance the student experience even further.

“I have a great team. The lecturers are passionate about what they are teaching, and our students are hungry to learn. The students produce a very high standard of work already at this level; I’m excited to see what they will achieve once they step out to develop their careers.

“We equip our students with transferrable knowledge, soft skills and business skills before they graduate. Through authentic learning and teaching experiences, we enable them to think creatively and diversely, to solve problems and to take risks. A lot of innovation comes from people trying something new. Sometimes they don’t quite get it right, but new ideas leads to growth.”

Professor Julia Gaimster is the new Head of RMIT University’s School of Communication & Design.

Professor Gaimster also emphasised the importance of connecting creative education and industries together.

Collaborating with UNESCO and VICAS (Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Art Studies), RMIT University successfully held the Vietnam Festival of Media and Design: Hanoi 2019 to honour Hanoi’s creativity and vibrant culture. The festival showcased local talent and offered about 40 events, workshops and activities over two weeks including exhibitions, seminars, talks and contemporary art collections. The Vietnam Festival of Media and Design attracted thousands of visitors.

“It was wonderful to see parents and children enjoying the festival, engaging with the activities and appreciating the culture that went with the exhibitions,” Professor Gaimster said

Professor Gaimster has also recently become the new Head of the School of Science & Technology (SST), following the departure of Professor Eric Dimla. The School of Science & Technology is part of, and works closely with, the College of Science, Engineering and Health in RMIT Melbourne.

Prior to joining RMIT University, Professor Gaimster worked at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing at Hong Kong PolyU as the Associate Head of School, and held a position as the Associate Dean of the School of Design & Technology at the London College of Fashion.

Story: Dung Trinh

Campus and community

Media Release

Communication and design

24 February 2020