With the world’s accelerating technological revolution converging on its most daunting challenges, today’s visionary academic leaders have more essential roles to play than ever. Professor Michael Short is such a leader: an engineer, a creator, and a teacher whose path from apprentice to global research leader has been guided by a firm commitment to greatness, fairness, and sustainability.
From Apprentice to Academic: A Path Founded in Practical Experience
Michael’s career is anything but typical—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. Leaving school at age 15, he started by working in a technical apprenticeship that immersed him in the inner functions of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems. At age 20, his technical foundation was well established, with increasing emphasis on electrical and control systems.
In contrast to most academic leaders who took conventional educational pathways, Michael’s path was shaped by realworld industry experience. He undertook a part-time degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering while working as a process engineer—a process that set the stage for both his theoretical and practical knowledge. This non-conventional route not only added depth to his technical background but also instilled an intimate appreciation of the requirements, tempo, and expectations of industrial settings.
It was while he was an undergraduate that he found himself drawn to the mathematics behind control systems and computing. This new interest sparked a transition into academia, which ended with the attainment of a PhD in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the age of 28—being the first in his family to achieve this academic milestone. Establishing a Research Legacy at Teesside University
Currently a Professor of Control Engineering and Systems Informatics at Teesside University, Michael is a leading figure in the university’s research drive. As Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Exchange for the School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, he not only spearheads scientific investigation but also leads on strategy, mentoring, and enterprise engagement across various disciplines.
Teesside University, in the North East of England, is dedicated to influential, inclusive, and forward-looking research. Its purpose aligns perfectly with Michael’s own ethos: to create knowledge that responds to societal issues and promotes inclusive economic and social development. The university’s strategic focus on health and wellbeing, net zero, and people and place is echoed in Michael’s research, particularly his interest in the engineering aspects of sustainability.
His own research, focused on smart energy systems and digitalization of engineering processes, is a leading example of high-impact, real-world problem-solving. With more than £4 million raised through collaborative projects and funded initiatives, Michael’s research is not limited to the pages of academic journals—it actively informs technologies, products, and services that support decarbonization and efficiency of operations.
Advancing Net Zero: Engineering a Sustainable Future
Few challenges are more pressing or complex than the transition to net zero. Michael is leading this change, looking at how engineered systems can be optimized to accommodate low-carbon and renewable options without sacrificing economic viability or environmental integrity.
He knows that the world’s energy infrastructure is still dependent on fossil fuels, and real change will involve reengineering of entire societal infrastructures. To this end, his research on smart grids, hydrogen-based systems, and AI-based control systems is not only novel—it is critical.
One of the most potentially fruitful lines of his work is the creation of next-generation alternative fuels based on hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, coupled with the integration of renewable sources and modular nuclear reactors. These emerging technologies may have a revolutionary impact in the decades to come. Michael’s focus on explainable AI and automation in energy systems also presents a balanced, ethically informed response to innovation.
A Mentor, Leader, and Advocate for Inclusive Innovation
The reach of Michael’s influence far surpasses the lab. A seasoned professor, he has a profound dedication to inclusive excellence and leadership development. He brings mentoring with a philosophy founded in empathy, integrity, and in believing that education is power—a mindset guided by his own determination and overcoming obstacles during early periods of academic and personal difficulties.
He is especially outspoken on the importance of increased diversity in STEM fields. Recognizing that engineering has historically been a male field, he calls for inclusive policies, outreach efforts, and public engagement extending to underrepresented communities. At Teesside University, which is a bronze award member of the UK Athena Swan Charter, he is an active proponent for forging a culture that not only embraces but celebrates diverse voices at every level.
This is reflected in his professional values: to deliver excellence, to empower people, to foster creativity, to embrace diversity, to communicate openly, to commit to sustainability, and to take responsibility. These ideals are not abstract; they are reflected in the way he leads research teams, facilitates policy debate, and engages with industry partners and students.
Global Engagement and Recognition
Apart from his Teesside leadership, Michael has a high international profile. He is a visiting professor at VIT Chennai, India, and an external examiner at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University in the UK. His scholarly stature is enhanced by a strong publication track record-more than 220 peer-reviewed papers, over 2,300 citations, and eight best paper awards. He has also guided eleven PhD candidates to successful completion, helping to nurture the next generation of engineers and researchers.
In November 2022, Michael was named as one of the UK’s ten most influential people contributing to Net Zero—an honor that reflects both his technical expertise and his leadership role in influencing national debate on sustainability.
Balancing Vision with Humanity
Despite the technical nature of his work, Michael remains grounded in human connection. He understands that innovation must ultimately serve people—not just systems or profits. Whether mentoring a student, collaborating with industry, or contributing to public policy, he brings a sense of purpose and humanity to every endeavor.
That balance is reflected in his personal philosophy, too. While he endorses a tough work ethic, he is also honest about needing time to rest, think, and appreciate life beyond work. Success, for him, isn’t just quantified by grants or publications, but by being there with family, lending support to colleagues, and fashioning a life of contribution and significance.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
As Michael looks to the future, his aspirations are focused on intensifying research commercialization, broadening interdisciplinary collaboration, and further integrating his work into the industrial and policy environments that create real-world impact. With a proven record of grant acquisition, product development, and stakeholder engagement, he is well placed to direct intricate, crosssector projects that marry academic rigor with practical applicability.
Similarly, he hopes to expand his work as a global thought leader on the energy transition—advancing sustainable, equitable, and morally responsible innovation worldwide. Through AI-based control systems, hydrogen solutions, or smarter grid integration, his research will define a cleaner, more sustainable world future.
Shaping the Future Through Purposeful Innovation
Michael’s tale is of determination, transformation, and accountability. From a 15-year-old school leaver to one of the leading experts in engineering and sustainability, his path is an example of what can be achieved when talent is combined with persistence and vision is informed by values.
Through innovative research, strategic leadership, and an abiding belief in education as a force for good, he continues to innovate and challenge the limits of what can be done by academia. Within Teesside University and beyond, Michael is an inspiring example of how technical expertise, inclusive leadership, and human compassion can blend to create a better, more sustainable future.
