As Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, Greg Hancock has watched hundreds of students pass through the graduation ceremony in the University’s Great Hall.

But this year’s graduation in engineering had a unique significance for Greg because the person receiving the University medal was his own son Edward. In being awarded the medal, Edward was following in the footsteps of his father who had won the same honour 37 years before.

“Back when I received the Medal, I would not in my wildest dreams have imagined I’d be standing there as Dean nearly forty years on watching my own son do the same,” says Greg.

There are other parallels between father and son. When he was a student, Greg elected to do a combined engineering science degree – an unusual choice for the time – and went on to write an interdisciplinary design project in which he applied computer science to the civil engineering design of a 747 aircraft hangar.

Close to four decades later, his son Edward also completed a combined engineering science degree and wrote an interdisciplinary thesis – in his case, applying advanced mathematics to electrical engineering. “It’s another case of history repeating itself,” Greg says.

Greg and Edward are not the only members of the Hancock family with a connection to the University. Greg’s daughters Amy and Olga also hold degrees from Sydney in economics and law respectively, while his wife Susan is an arts alumnus. His father, too, once studied at the University although he left before graduating to pursue a career as an actuary.

The story of Greg’s own relationship with the University of Sydney begins in 1964 when he attended a summer science school organised by the noted Professor of Physics, Harry Messel. There he was exposed to lectures by eminent scientists including Professor James Watson, the Nobel prize-winner and co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. “It was an experience which put Sydney on the map for me,” Greg recalls.

Following high school, Greg returned to the University of Sydney to begin a five-year combined degree. He has fond memories of his time as an undergraduate, not only because of the rich intellectual culture he found on campus but also the vibrant student life. Among other interests, Greg captained the University car club and competed successfully in motor rallies around NSW. He also forged lifelong friendships with his fellow students, especially those in his final year engineering class which continues to meet regularly to this day.

After his graduation in 1970 Greg continued on at Sydney to write his PhD, which saw him apply computer analysis to thin-walled steel structures. It is this area that Greg would go on to build his career on. He is responsible for developing the technology used to design major steel structures across the world, including Sydney’s Telstra Stadium and Wembley Stadium in London.

In 1990, Greg took on the position of BHP Steel Professor of Steel Structures (now the Bluescope Steel Professor of Steel Structures) and in 2004 he became Dean. In 2006, he was recognised with an AM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his achievements in engineering research and education, as well as for his work towards the development of industry standards for cold-formed steel structures.

Greg says that he relishes the opportunity he has as Dean to make a contribution to the University that has played such an important role in his life – and the lives of his children.

“I have really enjoyed being the Dean because it has offered me the chance to give something back into the University,” Greg says. “That’s the main reason I’m doing this job: to provide the next generation with the same opportunities I had to experience this terrific Faculty and University.”



Last updated 16 July 2007