Matthew Thomas is the Deputy Director of the Appleton Institute at CQUniversity, and Director of Westwood-Thomas Associates. He works on providing scientifically defensible solutions to enhancing human performance and managing safety in high-risk industries. His research expertise lies with human error, non-technical skills, incident investigation and data utilisation within safety management systems.

He completed his PhD in virtual learning environments in the year 2000, and since then has explored innovative solutions to a wide range of Human Factors issues in high-risk industries. He has provided solutions to enhance the non-technical skills of professionals working in a cross section of high-risk industries including commercial aviation, rail, maritime, healthcare, defence, mining, utilities, and beyond.

He contributes to a group of not-for-profit organisations worldwide, and currently is the Chair of the Council of the Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Immediate Past President of the Australian Aviation Psychology Association, and a member of the Australian Advisory Board of the Flight Safety Foundation.