2026 Winner: International Alumnus Award, Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy, 2017
Professor David Romero is a globally recognised manufacturing researcher, educator and innovation leader at Tecnológico de Monterrey. A pioneer of the Operator 4.0 and Operator 5.0 concepts, his work advances human-centred manufacturing, digital transformation and sustainable industry. He has published more than 250 scholarly works and advises international organisations on the future of manufacturing.
How do you describe what you do in one sentence?
As a researcher, I try to discover how and why things work the way they do, and if they are not working properly, as an engineer, I use that knowledge to build and design tools to make those things better.
Tell us something that might surprise others to learn about you.
Once upon a time, I was a professional athlete running sprinting events and having the honour and opportunity to represent Mexico in international competitions.
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
Since an early age, I was a curious and motivated boy driven by intellectual challenges and helping others; little did I know back then that there was a job called “researcher” waiting for me when I grew up, where I could use this drive to try to make a positive impact in life by putting my grain of sand to solve relevant problems with others for the benefit of humankind. Also, I must say that I was lucky to have great mentors during my journey towards becoming a “research scientist”, who guided me and nurtured my potential.
Did you have any mentors from Griffith who influenced you? Are you still connected to them?
Of course, I still work together with Prof. Peter Bernus, my PhD supervisor and mentor. We both share the belief that science, engineering, and technology are fundamental drivers of a better world. We believe that our profession as lecturers and researchers has the power to shape the future by imparting not just knowledge, but confidence in future generations that we can design a better world through science and technology development.
We hope that our research work can help advance technology for humanity.
Can you share a specific initiative or current project you are working on that excites you?
From a scientific research perspective, I have been working over the last decade with colleagues around the world on how to responsibly design and use technology to redefine the future of work in the manufacturing sector, making it more engaging and empowered for the current and future workforce, what we call nowadays “human-centric manufacturing”, and from a civil society perspective, also in international collaboration, in the World Manufacturing Foundation and Forum, created with other professors to promote manufacturing as a catalyst for global peace and social good by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient industrial development.
How do you spend your downtime?
Downtime for me is exercise outdoors; jogging in the forest is my favourite activity. It helps me to clear my mind, feel calm, and gives my body the extra workout that I need due to my love for cooking and food. You know, you need to keep your figure.
What advice would you give to a current Griffith student or recent graduate?
For students, get involved in campus life, manage your time well, avoid putting things off, and ask for help when you need it. For recent graduates, stay patient, embrace continuous learning, and don't compare your journey to others. Don’t forget that clarity comes with time; your first job does not define your entire career, and start building your professional network early.
Is there a fictional character/setting that closely resembles your career/work?
I’m a geek, so I need to refer to a fictional character from the comics. Green Lantern and the Green Lantern Corps. Why? Because they use their power rings to turn thoughts and willpower into solid-energy objects, known as hard-light constructs. So kind of the same as a researcher; we use our brains and hands to turn ideas into artefacts that can help industry and society.
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