As Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), Professor Brungs has responsibility for research policy development and general oversight of the University's research activities, postgraduate education, industry liaison, intellectual property and commercialisation.

Key responsibilities include:

The development and implementation of a research strategy which fulfils the UTS vision to be a world leading University of Technology.  In particular oversee UTS’s strategic research investments, research performance and ensuring excellence through skill building and support of research and academic staff.

Further promotion of research collaboration with industry and government and building strong linkages in the research and innovation sector nationally and internationally.

Continued enhancement of the quality of UTS postgraduate research education and the building of a vibrant research community.

Professor Brungs has been a researcher in both industry and academia with interests in the area of heterogeneous catalysis. Prior to his appointment at UTS in September 2009, Professor Brungs was General Manager, Science Investment, Strategy and Performance at CSIRO. His role incorporated the determination of broad research direction and resource allocation, performance monitoring of CSIRO research programs including its flagship programs and the development and implementation of organisational strategy.

Before joining CSIRO in 2002 Professor Brungs was a senior manager at McKinsey and Co. managing teams in North America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. He has also been on the board of a number of entities including not-for-profit organisations such as Greening Australia NSW.

Professor Brungs is a Rhodes Scholar, with a Doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry from Oxford University and recipient of the University Medal in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW.