The Council of The University of Newcastle (UON) has announced the appointment of Dr Alex Zelinsky AO as its next Vice-Chancellor and President, commencing in early November 2018.
A computer scientist, roboticist and systems engineer, Alex’s career spans innovation, science and technology, education, research and development, and commercial start-ups.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours), a Doctor of Philosophy, and in 2010 was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science, all from the University of Wollongong. He also served as a member of the University of Wollongong Council from 2012-2015.
He has held the position of Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist since March 2012 and prior to that role was Group Executive of Information Sciences at the CSIRO from 2004-2012. Earlier, Alex held an academic and research leadership role at The Australian National University.
University of Newcastle Chancellor, Paul Jeans, said the university conducted an extensive international search for the position and the council was delighted Alex had accepted the role.
“Alex has the rare combination of experience in research, education, industry and start- ups – a background that will help our university further collaborate and connect across the region and the globe,” Paul said.
“The University of Newcastle is a leader in equity, Indigenous education, research and innovation and has risen strongly in key university rankings in a very competitive global environment. We’re confident that Alex will continue the university’s successful trajectory in all of these areas and further accelerate our position as a local and global asset.”
Alex will join a university with more than 35,000 students, over 100 undergraduate programs, and that has gained 84 places since 2014 in the QS World University Rankings.
The organisation is in a strong financial position and is currently ranked in Australia’s top eight for research well above world standard.
“Equity and social justice are core values for the university. Indeed, one in four of our students come from low socio-economic backgrounds. Inspired by his father’s transition from steelworks labourer to university graduate, Alex knows first-hand how education can unlock potential and enable someone to change the world,” Paul said.
“We’re confident that Alex will take these strengths and secure UON’s position as an exceptional educational institution, grounded in research that really makes an impact, and secured through partnerships that have a strong commercial focus.”
Alex will be the eighth Vice-Chancellor in the university’s 53-year history.
Alex will succeed Professor Caroline McMillen who, in November 2017, announced her intention to retire. Caroline will complete her term on 4 November 2018 following seven years of distinguished service. Under Caroline’s leadership, the university has enjoyed considerable success and enhanced reputation. She will leave the university in a strong and positive position.
IMAGE | UON’s has announced the appointment of Dr Alex Zelinsky AO as its next Vice-Chancellor and President.
