University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd has been nominated to serve as the next Chair of Universities Australia.
Professor Lloyd has been selected by Universities Australia members to succeed current Chair and La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO.
"David is the right person to lead the university sector into the future," Professor Dewar said.
"He is already a powerful advocate for the sector in his own right and as a Deputy Chair of the Universities Australia Board.
"He is well placed to take on the role of Chair with his first-hand insight into the vital role universities play on behalf of the nation.
"David is well respected across the community and political spectrum. He is a collaborative and constructive leader who will serve Universities Australia well as it continues to advocate for policy reform to deliver the strong universities that all Australians benefit from."
Professor Lloyd said he was delighted to be nominated for the role.
"Universities are vital to how Australia responds to shifts in domestic, economic and global landscapes," Professor Lloyd said.
"Skill shortages, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and a new industrial revolution are changing the way we live and operate. We have no time to waste in preparing for these challenges, and universities have a crucial role to play.
"More jobs in the future will require a degree and demand for research and development, to guide national priorities like the energy transition and AUKUS, is only growing.
"I'm looking forward to working with chief executive Catriona Jackson and her team at Universities Australia to ensure universities continue to be an essential partner of the Australian community, industry and government.
"I would also like to thank Professor John Dewar for his leadership and direction through what has been a turbulent and complex time for the country. John has served the sector with distinction."
Educated as chemist specialising in computer aided drug design, Professor Lloyd came to Australia in 2013 with considerable experience in higher education and research in the United Kingdom and in Ireland.
He has held senior leadership positions at Trinity College Dublin, has served as Chair of the Irish Research Council, and was previously appointed to the Australian Research Council's Advisory Council.
The appointment of the new Chair, along with members of the Board, will be confirmed at the Universities Australia annual general meeting on 31 May 2023.
The following individuals are seeking election to the Board:
- Professor Carolyn Evans (Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University)
- Professor Adam Shoemaker (Vice-Chancellor and President, Victoria University)
- Professor Renée Leon PSM (Vice-Chancellor and President, Charles Sturt University)
- Professor Pascale Quester (Vice-Chancellor and President, Swinburne University of Technology)
The following individuals are seeking re-election to the Board:
- Professor Margaret Sheil AO (Vice-Chancellor and President, Queensland University of Technology)
- Professor Attila Brungs (Vice-Chancellor and President, University of New South Wales)
Edith Cowan University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Steve Chapman, who is in the middle of his term, will continue to serve on the Board.
