Emeritus Professor Sritawat Kitipornchai - affectionately known as Kit - has been named a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate for the sixth time since 2019, reflecting his sustained global impact and leadership in civil and structural engineering.
Kit joined UQ in 1976 as a Lecturer and rose to Professor before taking a Chair Professorship at the City University of Hong Kong, where he later became Head of Department. Granted Emeritus Professor status at UQ in 2004, he was drawn out of retirement in 2012 to serve as TMR Chair in Structural Engineering and later as Head of the ARC Timber Hub, demonstrating his enduring commitment to research and mentorship.
Kit is a world-renowned researcher with a Web of Science h-index of 86, among the highest for civil engineers in Australia. His work on micro and nano-scale composites, lightweight high-strength structures using advanced nanomaterials, and precise modelling of transmission towers has shaped both research and industry, saving millions of dollars and improving safety.
Ian Ainsworth, Principal at Arup, said:
"Professor Kitipornchai’s research has not only advanced the frontiers of civil engineering but has also delivered practical solutions that have transformed industry practice globally."
Professor Tom Baldock, Head of the School of Civil Engineering, added:
"Kit’s career is a benchmark for excellence. His work continues to inspire our students and researchers, and his global collaborations strengthen UQ’s impact on the world stage."
Kit has also co-authored the widely referenced book Design of Portal Frame Buildings with Dr Scott Woolcock and Professor Mark Bradford, and together with former UQ colleague Professor Faris Albermani, received the Munro Prize in 1992 for work on transmission towers.
Elected to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2009) and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2016), Kit has also been named a Cross-Field Highly Cited Researcher six times from 2019 - 2025 - a distinction virtually unique in Civil Engineering.
Post his recent retirement, he continues to supervise HDR students, lead research with the ARC Advanced Timber Hub, and foster international collaborations in China and Thailand. His career exemplifies innovation, global influence, and enduring impact, inspiring engineers and researchers worldwide.
