Dear colleagues
I am delighted to share an historic announcement that marks a transformative moment for UNSW Sydney and women’s health worldwide. Supported by the Ainsworth family, and through the family’s generous $50 million donation, UNSW will establish and lead the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute (AERI), partnering with global experts from across Australia and the world. This is a world-first initiative dedicated to advancing research, diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.
The Ainsworth family’s extraordinary commitment is the largest philanthropic contribution to endometriosis research globally and to women’s health in Australian history. This landmark donation demonstrates the power of collaboration between philanthropy and research in driving real change for the millions of people affected by this condition around the world. It is estimated that 830,000 people live with endometriosis in Australia alone and 200 million globally.
AERI will unite leading scientists, clinicians and global partners to fast-track breakthroughs in genomic research, diagnostics and precision treatments. With one in seven Australian women affected by endometriosis, this initiative will address urgent gaps in diagnosis and treatment that have persisted for far too long.
This donation reflects the strength of partnership between our donors, academic community and Advancement team – working together with a shared commitment to improving women’s health. UNSW is grateful to the Ainsworth family that their generosity and deep personal connection to this cause has led to a truly life-changing investment in scientific progress. It exemplifies how genuine collaboration across philanthropy, research and engagement can drive initiatives with positive, lasting global impact. Together, we will accelerate discoveries and ensure better care and outcomes for people who live with endometriosis.
AERI will be led by Clinical Director Professor Jason Abbott and Scientific Director, UNSW’s Gynaecological Cancer Research Group lead Professor Caroline Ford. I would like to acknowledge all our dedicated researchers and faculty members, whose commitment to medical innovation and patient care continues to drive change that makes real difference. Read more about AERI on the UNSW Newsroom.
A warm welcome to Term 2
Yesterday I was honoured to participate in the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony that marked the beginning of Term 2. It is a profound privilege to work and study on the ancestral lands of the Bidjigal clan, the traditional custodians of knowledge and culture. I also had the pleasure of addressing our commencing students at the Term 2 welcome event, and meeting many of them at the Prepping for Success Fair. Experiencing the vibrant energy of O-Week and engaging with students as they begin their journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of being Vice-Chancellor. It was wonderful to walk around the Library Lawn and talk to many of our wonderful Arc clubs and sports and see them welcoming the new members of the UNSW community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring these important events to life. Your efforts play a vital role in creating a warm, inclusive and supportive environment for our students to get the most from their University experience and thrive.
Pictured top: Didgeridoo performance by Josh Sly, a proud Biripi Worimi & Wiradjuri man, at the International Student Welcome event.
National Reconciliation Week: Bridging Now to Next
Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme is Bridging Now to Next, which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Indigenous culture is an intrinsic part of UNSW. We are working with Indigenous people and communities to create a future where Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives are not only honoured, but where they’re recognised as being integral to advancing society so that everyone benefits.
Indigenous Knowledges have been fundamental to life in Australia for countless generations. In our UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, Indigenous Knowledges are a central component of our work and our decision-making.
We want the impact we make as a university augmented by Indigenous Knowledges and history, which is why we actively seek to learn from Indigenous ways of knowing as we find solutions for environmental, social, economic and other complex problems we’re facing as a global society.
As part of this commitment, UNSW is progressing a Micro-treaty, a nationally significant, community-led sector innovation that formalises our shared principles and priorities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Micro-treaty moves beyond conventional consultation to centre Indigenous self-determination in how the University plans, governs and delivers on its commitments. Guided by the voices of students, staff, alumni and community, the Micro-treaty is designed to embed cultural authority into institutional structures and ensure Indigenous Knowledges remain at the heart of how we shape our future, bridging now to next in meaningful, enduring ways.
New Housing Analytics Lab tackling Australia’s housing crisis
It was a privilege to be joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson and NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully last week for the launch of the Housing Analytics Lab (HAL), led by UNSW researchers.
The HAL, in Sydney’s Tech Central, brings together academic experts, industry, government and not-for-profits to address Australia’s housing supply and affordability crisis.
UNSW is proud to be a leading partner in the HAL, through our City Futures Research Centre and the work of Scientia Professor Chris Pettit and his team, helping the government address its priorities in housing.
We have a great depth of expertise and research capability in disciplines that are central to tackling the housing crisis – urban planning, urban change and growth, sustainability and the energy transition – as well as interconnected disciplines like poverty and inequality, and population health. This focus sits squarely in our Strategy’s Impact Focus Areas of Advance economic and social prosperity (Strategic Pillar 7) and Strengthen societal resilience, security and inclusion (Strategic Pillar 9).
Having all the right experts under one banner, and connecting experts and decision-makers, means we can build real, practical solutions to a seriously complex set of problems. Read more about the Housing Analytics Lab on the UNSW Newsroom.
A safe and respectful campus is everyone's responsibility
Some of you will be aware of the assaults in our local area over the past week.
The University has been in regular contact with the NSW Police who have increased their proactive patrols in all the surrounding suburbs. The University had also increased security on the Kensington campus. As of the weekend, the police have arrested several youths in relation to the assaults.
The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to work with the NSW Police and update students and staff as required.
More broadly this is a timely reminder that while there are many benefits from a porous and community-connected campus, we must be appropriately vigilant. We expect all students and staff to continue to contribute to ensuring UNSW is a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone here. Please use the SpeakUp portal to report concerning events or behaviours you have witnessed and read our Code of Conduct and Values to understand your responsibility as member of our community.
Implementing the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All
The launch of the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All marks the beginning of a transformational journey, with a 10-year vision focused on educational excellence, research innovation and societal impact.
To support its effective implementation, the University is developing a comprehensive implementation framework to guide the governance, planning and delivery of our strategy.
I am pleased to announce that Vinita Chanan’s current role will be expanded to lead strategy implementation and the work of Vinita’s existing team realigned to support faculties and divisions with the implementation of the strategy. As the Strategy Office, Vinita and her team will work closely with existing functions of the University to ensure an integrated approach to coordinating and delivering with multiplicity of activities across the University aimed at implementing the UNSW Strategy. They will also ensure the strategy and the Societal Impact Framework are integrated.
Vinita’s role is now Executive Director, University Strategy. With these changes, UNSW is well-positioned to bring the strategy to life, ensuring that Progress for All is a reality.
Professor Claire Annesley reappointed Dean
I am delighted to advise that Professor Claire Annesley has been reappointed for a second term as Dean of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.
Claire led the creation of the ADA2051 strategy which gives the Faculty a clear and unique sense of purpose, the UG Program Review which has transformed student enrolment and experience, and the Innovation Hub which is now a UNSW-wide initiative.
Claire has also played a key role in UNSW’s leadership on the strategy development steer co, the Greater Sydney strategy, heading up the innovation working group, and as acting Trivost in 2023.
I would like to thank Claire for her incredible contribution to UNSW over the past five years and I look forward to working with her in the coming five years.
There’s more to read Inside UNSW…
- Two UNSW researchers have been elected 2025 Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science. Scientia Professor Xiaojing Hao was recognised for her remarkable research in thin-film photovoltaics and Scientia Professor Helen Christensen was acknowledged for her outstanding contributions in the field of mental health. Congratulations!
- Nominations for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards open on Tuesday 10 June, so now’s a good time to think about a colleague or team you would like to recognise or celebrate. This year we have three new VC Awards categories under the UNSW Leadership Signatures.
- Find out about the new all-staff mandatory training module: Security@UNSW and how you can contribute to protecting UNSW’s data and information.
- In this edition’s staff profile we meet Dr Carly Vickers, Director of the UNSW Innovation Hub, and a Sydney Conservatorium of Music-trained musician.
Wishing you all a wonderful Term 2.
Best regards
Attila
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor & President
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