Mark Ogden took on the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic in March 2026. He previously held the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin. 

After completing his PhD at the University of Western Australia in 1991, Mark spent 3 years as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oxford, followed by 2 years at UWA. He joined Curtin in 1997 on a Curtin Research Fellowship, subsequently moving into a Teaching and Research academic position, achieving the rank of Professor in 2009. His research group works on developing new molecules that interact selectively with specific targets. Current fundamental projects include the synthesis of new light-emitting lanthanide-based materials. Work on control of crystal growth, and coordination chemistry of transition elements has been funded by the mineral processing industries. 

He has published over 150 articles in peer reviewed journals. PhD graduates from his group have been employed by companies including Rio Tinto, Orica, and Nalco, as well as academic institutions. 

He has taught inorganic and general chemistry at all year levels. 

His leadership experience at Curtin prior to joining the Senior Executive Team includes the Head of the School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Director of the Nanochemistry Research Institute, Head of the Department of Chemistry, and Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Training.