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Professor Brian Schmidt . Picture : Supplied .
A new leader
ANU Vice-Chancellor to head Group of Eight .
By Emilie Lauer
Australian National University vicechancellor and Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Brian Schmidt has been appointed Chair of the Group of Eight . Professor Schmidt will start his two-year assignment on February 1st . “ I look forward to working with all my colleagues to ensure our universities – the very best our nation boasts – continue to
Top job
University of Melbourne announces new Chancellor .
By Tim Dodd
Business figure and philanthropist Jane Hansen has stepped in as the next chancellor of the University of Melbourne following the decision of former chancellor , barrister Allan Myers QC , to step down after his second three year term .
Ms Hansen , who is currently deputy chancellor and also a major donor to the
deliver major benefits for Australia and all Australians ,” Professor Schmidt said . Professor Schmidt will replace chairwomen Monash University vicechancellor Margaret Gardner .
He will be joined by University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott AO , who will take on the role of Deputy Chair .
Professor Schmidt said Australian universities have played major role in the country ’ s economy and will continue to improve people ’ s lives , create job opportunities , and drive innovation .
“ Australian universities make a major contribution to the prosperity , wellbeing and security of Australia ,” he said .
“ Our teaching creates the skilled and knowledgeable workforce our nation needs while also building vital ties all across the globe .”
Passionate about astrophysics , Professor Schmidt completed a bachelor in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Arizona in 1989 , before moving to Harvard University where he completed a master and a PhD in astronomy .
Professor Schmidt ’ s extensive career accolades includes winning the 2011
Jane Hansen . Picture : Aaron Francis / News Corp Australia .
university , commenced as chancellor on January 1 . The chancellor role is analogous to a company chairman , chairing the university ’ s top governing body , its council .
Ms Hansen , a former investment banker who is also chair of the Melbourne Theatre Company , has been a member of the council since 2016 and was elected deputy chancellor at the end of 2017 .
In 2018 she and her husband , property developer Paul Little , announced a $ 30m donation to the university to help build a new student residence , Little Hall , whose income funds scholarships for
Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the expansion rate of the universe through a distant supernova .
The Nobel Prize winner was named Australian of the Year in 2011 before being named Companion of the Order of Australia in 2013 .
Professor Schmidt ’ s also won the Shaw Prize for Astronomy in 2006 , the Gruber Prize for Cosmology in 2007 and the Breakthrough Prize in Physics in 2014 .
Additionally , he is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science , The United States Academy of Sciences , the British Royal Society , and Foreign Member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences .
Professor Schmidt began his career at ANU 28 years ago as a postdoctoral researcher before being appointed the 12th vice-chancellor of the Canberra university in January 2016 .
Go8 chief executive Vicki Thomson said Professor Schmidt was an “ outstanding appointment ” whose expertise will contribute to continue developing the Group of Eight . ■
disadvantaged students from regional and rural areas .
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell said he was delighted to welcome Ms Hansen to the chancellor role .
“ Jane has already made major contributions to the university through her involvement in some of our most significant programs and initiatives ,” he said .
“ I know Jane to be personally connected and committed to both academic excellence and equity , and indeed many other aspects of what we do .”
Ms Hansen said she viewed the role as a “ privilege and a responsibility ”.
“ I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the council to progress further the important work currently under way across the institution , where students are at the heart of everything we do ,” she said .
Professor Maskell thanks Mr Myers for his service as chancellor .
“ On behalf of our community at the University of Melbourne , I would like to express our deep gratitude for Mr Myers ’ leadership , commitment and generosity to our great university during his time as chancellor ,” Professor Maskell said . ■
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