Frank White Memorial Lecture

Join us for an engaging discussion at the 2025 Frank White Memorial Lecture featuring keynote speaker, Michael Wright, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Thiess Group.

Pioneering spirit for a brighter tomorrow: Innovation & leadership in navigating accelerating change

From technological advances to climate challenges and shifting societal expectations, change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. In his keynote, Michael Wright will explore the vital role of bold innovation, leadership and cross-disciplinary engineering in navigating this complexity. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the industrial and mining sectors, he will examine how companies and nations can adapt and thrive through agility, collaboration, and a pioneering spirit – and why these qualities are key to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

The lecture will be followed by canapés, refreshments, and an opportunity to network with fellow members of the UQ engineering community, including alumni, staff, industry contacts, donors, and friends.

Keynote Speaker: Michael Wright 

Michael Wright was appointed Executive Chair of the Thiess Group in February 2020 and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess in July 2021. Michael has over 30 years’ experience across the resources & industrial industries in Australia, Asia, Africa and the Americas. 

Prior to being appointed to the joint role of Executive Chair & CEO of the Thiess Group, Michael was the CEO of ASX listed CIMIC Group, responsible for leading Sedgman, UGL, CPB Contractors, Leighton Asia and Thiess.

Michael joined Thiess in 1998, starting as a Project Manager, and has held leadership and operational roles in the mining, construction and services sector, giving him expertise across operations, engineering, commercial and strategy.

Michael is a highly regarded and innovative leader focused on delivering value to clients and stakeholders, inspiring operational excellence by building strong, safe and performance-driven teams. He serves as a Director of the Minerals Council of Australia, and is Chair of the International RiverFoundation Board, a not for profit focused on promoting global best practice in river management and restoration.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the University of Sydney and a Master of Engineering Science (Environmental) from the University of New South Wales. Michael has also completed the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program (AMP). 

About the lecture

Established in 2023 to honour the enduring impact of Professor Frank T.M. White, a trailblazer in engineering and mineral science. From Australia's goldfields to the Fiji department of mines, to mining rehabilitation in post-War Malaya, to his pivotal role at UQ as the Founding Professor of mining and metallurgy. 

Professor White was respected for his knowledge, experience, and advocacy, which included related issues such as health, safety and social impacts. He looked at mining and metallurgy though a wider lens than was common during his time, embracing the need to promote diversity and sustainability. 

He went on to rejuvenate mining engineering and applied geophysics at McGill University, however, it was at UQ where “his heart and soul” found greatest expression, especially the UQ Experimental Mine, which became the platform for JKMRC, and in his inspirational role in establishing International House.