December 10, 2025
Go8 Board Appoints New Leadership: Professor Deborah Terry AC as Chair, Professor Sharon Pickering as Deputy Chair.
The Board of the Group of Eight (Go8), representing Australia's leading research-intensive universities, has appointed Professor Deborah Terry AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, as Chair of the Go8, and Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, as Deputy Chair.
Professor Terry, one of Australia's longest-serving Vice-Chancellors, brings decades of leadership experience, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University before taking up her current role at The University of Queensland. She also previously served as Chair of Universities Australia, further demonstrating her deep engagement with national higher education policy and advocacy. She was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2024 for "eminent service to tertiary education as an institutional leader and academic, to the strengthening of higher education through collaboration and innovation, and to the community". Professor Terry is an internationally recognised scholar in psychology.
Professor Pickering leads Monash University - Australia's largest university and its most globally connected, with campuses and partnerships spanning multiple continents. She is a highly respected academic leader with a strong record of advancing research and education. Before becoming Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, she served as Dean of Arts and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Monash. Her research expertise spans criminology and border studies, and she has been a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in higher education.
Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said: "The appointment of Professors Deborah Terry and Sharon Pickering comes at a pivotal time for Australia's higher education sector. Both bring exceptional experience and proven leadership, and together they will guide the Go8 through the challenges and opportunities ahead - from strengthening our global research impact to shaping policy that supports innovation and equity. Their vision and expertise will ensure the Go8 remains at the forefront of driving Australia's knowledge economy."
The Go8 acknowledged outgoing Chair Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Sydney, and outgoing Deputy Chair Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Adelaide, for their exceptional leadership during a period of significant change.
"Mark Scott and Peter Høj have guided the Go8 through complex challenges with wisdom and foresight. Their contributions have strengthened the sector and positioned the Go8 as a trusted voice in national policy," Ms Thomson said.
Incoming Chair Professor Terry said:"I am honoured to take on this role at such a critical time for higher education. Universities are central to Australia's economic and social prosperity, and this moment calls for us to work collaboratively across the sector to build deep, tripartite partnerships with government and industry to deliver meaningful impact for Australians. I look forward to working with my Go8 colleagues to not only advance our shared mission across both teaching and research, but to helping to open the doors to higher education across the breadth of our communities.
Incoming Deputy Chair Professor Sharon Pickering said:"Australia's research-intensive Go8 universities are crucial to nation building, fostering talent, enabling breakthrough research and working with industry to translate discoveries into innovations that improve and save lives. In uncertain geopolitical times, the Go8 is more important than ever in providing the excellence, capability and enduring international partnerships that will ensure Australia doesn't simply wait for the future, but shapes it. While our universities are the nation's research heartbeat, we're also the education lifeblood for students here and around the world."
Under the leadership of Professor Terry and Professor Pickering, Go8 priorities will include:
- Strengthening Australia's research capability to ensure global competitiveness and innovation.
- Advocating for sustainable funding models that support world-class education and research.
- Enhancing international partnerships to attract talent and foster global collaboration.
- Driving equity and inclusion across higher education, ensuring opportunities for all Australians.
- Supporting Australia's transition to a knowledge-based economy through research translation and industry engagement.
