Dr Assaad Taoum is a senior lecturer in structural engineering at the University of Tasmania, where his research focuses on the performance, design, and innovation of timber and engineered wood products. His work explores structural reliability, connection behaviour, and sustainability in timber systems, with a strong emphasis on industry-relevant outcomes. Dr Taoum leads and contributes to interdisciplinary projects that support the uptake of renewable materials in construction, including the development of advanced timber products from Tasmanian hardwoods. He collaborates closely with industry and government stakeholders and has secured competitive funding to investigate performance-based design, modular construction, and the integration of timber in low and mid-rise buildings. His research outputs inform structural designs and contribute to the transition toward low-carbon construction solutions.