Nick Palousis

Nick Palousis

Qualifications

  • BEng (Mechatronic) with 1st Class Honours, University of Adelaide 2003
  • BSc (Mathematical & Computer Sciences) University of Adelaide 2003
  • PhD Candidate (Sustainability Risk Assessment), University of South
    Australia (2006 – 2009)

Short Biographical Information

Nick Palousis is an Associate for Sustainable Business Practices, and holds positions as the University of South Australia’s inaugural Southcott Scholar, and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. Born and raised in Whyalla (South Australia), Nick grew-up working on the railway lines around the BHP steel plant in the family-owned business of railway development and maintenance.

In 1998 Nick graduated from secondary school with the achievement of College Valedictorian, and moved to Adelaide where he studied a double-degree in Mechatronic Engineering and Mathematical & Computer Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Throughout his studies, Nick was engaged by the State and Federal Government to provide input on matters relating to technology and sustainability. Nick was invited by the Federal Government as one of 12 Australian delegates to the Government of Japan/United Nations 2002 Ship for World Youth Program (Japan, US, Canada), and in 2003 to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Nigeria), on both occasions to provide input on matters relating to the role of technology and business in sustainability. From 2001-2003, Nick was also employed by the State Government to develop and deliver the state’s first series of high school education courses on robotics.

Graduating in 2003 with First Class Honours, Nick began a three year engagement with The Natural Edge Project (TNEP), a non-for-profit partnership for research on innovation for sustainable prosperity, hosted by Engineers Australia. During this time Nick assisted the development of a range of projects focused on education and training for sustainable development, including working with Companies, Industry Groups, Universities, Professional Bodies, and Government Agencies, and in 2005 was recognised as one of Engineers Australia's 30 Most Inspiring Young Engineers. Nick left The Natural Edge Project at the end of 2006 to focus on his PhD, and pursue professional interests in corporate consulting.

Nick is currently a lead consultant for Sustainable Business Practices SBP’s business case and climate change services, with particular expertise in sustainable business strategy, risk and opportunities assessment. SBP works with Australian corporations who wish to improve their competitive advantage by embracing sustainability principles as a core business strategy. SBP’s client base includes organisations in Automotive, Finance, Forestry, Insurance, Investment, Manufacturing, Mining, Oil & Gas, Water and State Government sectors.

In 2006, Nick was awarded the inaugural Southcott Scholarship, offered by the University of South Australia to undertake PhD research on sustainability in engineering and industry. Nick’s research involves the development of a risk management methodology for assessing and minimizing sustainability business risks from designing and providing sustainable products and services. While the PhD research is focused on the automotive industry, Nick is undertaking independent research for the mining, oil/gas, and investment industries.

In 2006 Nick was announced Young South Australian of the Year, in 2007 was awarded the British Council Eureka Prize for Young Leaders in Environmental Issues & Climate Change, and in 2008 the Australian Davos Connection’s Future Summit Leadership Award.