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We are welcoming back an eminent alumnus and member of the UNSW family .
Current UTS Sydney vice-chancellor , Attila Brungs . Photo : Britta Campion
UNSW snares ‘ dynamic ’ education leader
Attila Brungs moving to UNSW next year .
By Wade Zaglas
UNSW chancellor Professor David Gonski has announced that one “ of Australia ’ s most dynamic educational leaders ”, Professor Attila Brungs , will become UNSW Sydney ’ s incoming President and Vice-Chancellor on 31 January 2022 .
Brungs is the current vice-chancellor and president of the University of Technology Sydney ( UTS ). In his new role at UNSW , Brungs will succeed Professor Ian Jacobs , who earlier this year announced his intention to step down after completing seven years in the role and wishing to return home to the UK for family reasons .
Brungs ’ academic career is distinguished , receiving the University Medal in Industrial Chemistry at UNSW when he was an undergraduate , to becoming a hallowed Rhodes Scholar . After completing his doctorate in inorganic chemistry , Brungs researched “... into heterogeneous catalysis and sectoral leadership saw him elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Technology and Engineering ”. As Brungs brings more than 20 years ’ experience of operating across industry , government and academia , his experience will be invaluable as UNSW continues to advance its 2025 strategy . “ This is an outstanding appointment for UNSW ,” Gonski said . “ The position was highly contested which is a great
tribute to Professor Jacobs ’ distinguished leadership of the university ’ s 10-year plan , which has seen UNSW grow from strength to strength . The university has focused not only on academic excellence , but on innovation and engagement and social impact ; a strategy which Professor Brungs is committed to continuing ,” said Gonski .
“ Professor Brungs ’ inclusive leadership style as well as his commitment to students , to innovation and to partnerships with community and industry , will also perfectly align with our strategy ,” Gonksi said .
“ In many respects , Professor Brungs is returning ‘ home ’ to UNSW where he studied Science as an undergraduate , with distinction . His father , Professor Mike Brungs , was an esteemed member of the materials science and engineering community and a long-serving head of school . His mother and three of his siblings also studied at UNSW .
“ We are not only welcoming our 10th President and Vice- Chancellor ; we are welcoming back an eminent alumnus and member of the UNSW family .”
Brungs sees his upcoming role as “ one of the most exciting in education ”.
“ UNSW is an outstanding university that not only cares deeply about students but equally about the broader impact its teaching , research and engagement has on the whole community ,” he said . “ UNSW is one of the best placed universities to partner with government and industry to drive the research commercialisation and translation agenda to help forge a bright future as we navigate the post-pandemic world , as well as meeting the skilling revolution Australian society needs .
“ This promises to be one of the most challenging periods for higher education in Australia . For 12 years I have been privileged to serve UTS and am now similarly both honoured and excited about harnessing the skills , ideas and experience of the UNSW community – students , staff , alumni , industry and community partners , supporters and friends – to continue to make a significant and positive impact for Australia and the world .” ■
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