Dear colleagues
I’m pleased to share that several members of the UNSW community were awarded King’s Birthday Honours on Monday, including Professor Richard Kingsford, leader of the Wild Deserts Partnership Project, and Professor Skye McDonald, director of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Brain Recovery. Our esteemed colleagues and alumni have shown remarkable commitment, quietly working behind the scenes to improve the world around them. The awards acknowledge the meaningful impact of their contributions to society. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our honourees for their outstanding service and the positive difference they have made in their chosen fields and more broadly. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! Visit the Newsroom to read more about this year’s Kings Birthday Honours recipients.
UNSW tech squad provides smart support for startups
As part of UNSW’s Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) commitment to develop and embed innovative new and practical approaches to research transfer, UNSW has established Australia’s first university-based service to provide rapid technical expertise to help businesses solve electrical engineering problems, particularly in the late stages of product development. The Technology Translation Squad (TTS) addresses a critical shortage of electrical engineers in Australia, offering deep technical expertise in a way that’s accessible, agile and impact driven. Eligible applicants can access up to five free days of specialised support from the TTS. If more help is needed, there’s an option to continue through a paid engagement or by accessing other support programs.
The TTS exemplifies how universities can play a direct and practical role in accelerating research translation and commercialisation. By offering rapid, specialised engineering support, TTS enables green tech startups and SMEs to navigate technical roadblocks, reduce time to market, and scale innovative solutions that contribute to Australia’s clean energy future. Visit the UNSW Newsroom to read about the TTS’s work with energy storage startup Green Gravity.
Pictured top: UNSW's Technology Translation Squad Dr Matthew Priestley, Dr Thomas McNeill and Mr Peter McNair
Australian research a crucial driver in economic growth
Earlier this year, I delivered a speech at a Business Sydney event about the pivotal role universities play in reigniting Australia’s productivity. As the Productivity Commission has noted, productivity growth depends on two key factors: the discovery of new ideas and their practical application – both of which rely heavily on the work of universities.
In a recent address to the National Press Club of Australia, Scientia Professor Richard Holden, from UNSW’s Business School, and Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt AC, former Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, underscored that sovereign research remains one of the most underutilised levers for Australia’s economic resilience. Strengthening this capacity – especially in the context of increasing global uncertainty – requires a change in how research is funded.
Prof. Holden said shifting global dynamics presented Australia with an opportunity to attract top international talent, and that with the right reforms, including a funding approach that supports long-term research ecosystems and aligns with national priorities, Australia could not only safeguard but elevate its role in global knowledge creation. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO, Co-Director of UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, will address the National Press Club of Australia next month on Australia’s dementia crisis and strategies to address it.
UNSW Chancellor David Gonski AC recognised in AFR Director Awards
Nobody at UNSW would be surprised by UNSW Chancellor David Gonski's recent award. His dedication and incredible contributions to UNSW daily, as well as good governance across Australia is legend. Last week he won a Lifetime Achievement Award in the inaugural Financial Review BOSS Director Awards. The awards recognise the vital role directors and chairs play in shaping Australia’s businesses.
As the judges noted, David’s legacy extends beyond his personal achievements. His enduring impact lies in his unwavering commitment to service, his mentorship of emerging leaders and his dedication to fostering excellence in governance.
In the realm of philanthropy, David leads by example. He deeply understands the power of giving to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. His decades-long contribution to UNSW, particularly in championing and advancing the University’s philanthropic efforts, has been truly transformative.
I extend my thanks and congratulations to David on behalf of the entire UNSW community.
Forward-thinking fig tree restoration project
Most of you would have heard me reflect about the fact universities are critical institutions in our ability to take the long-term perspective to support society, five, 10, 50, 100 years into the future. Similarly long-term thinking is important for how we operate. It’s always inspiring to see the care and foresight that goes into shaping our campus. A recent example is the planting of four Port Jackson fig trees along University Mall, replacing trees lost in last December’s severe storm.
This initiative was the result of proactive planning by Estate Management beginning in 2019 when Mark Clark, Manager of Grounds, recognised the need to prepare for the potential loss of UNSW’s most significant trees. He began collecting seeds from the 120-year-old figs lining Fig Tree Lane, and the seeds were propagated and cultivated over six years. Each tree, now weighing more than 500kg, has been grown to restore and continue the legacy of these campus icons. It's wonderful to see this kind of investment in the future of our campus environment. Thank you to everyone involved in this project for your forward thinking and your commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation.
UNSW strengthens ties with South Korea’s KAIST university
It was a pleasure to host the Governor of South Korea’s Chungnam Province, Kim Tae-heum, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong, and a delegation from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) at UNSW recently. Our universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support joint research and development projects with a focus on student mobility, biotechnology and climate. Collaborations like this are part of UNSW’s commitment to working with trusted international partners, demonstrating our expertise on the global stage and driving progress in areas such as renewable technologies, green skills, life sciences, health care and innovation. Read more about UNSW’s strategic partnership with KAIST on the UNSW Newsroom.
Keeping our campus safe
As I mentioned in my last Inside UNSW message, there have been some assaults in our local area over the past month.
The University has been in regular contact with NSW Police who have increased their proactive patrols in all the surrounding suburbs. The University had also increased security on the Kensington campus.
The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to work with NSW Police and update students and staff as required.
More broadly this is a timely reminder that while a campus that is open and connected to the community offers numerous advantages, we must remain vigilant to ensure safety for all. We all play an important role in 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 a member of our community.
Vale Emeritus Professor Paul Compton
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Emeritus Professor Paul Compton, whose involvement with UNSW spanned six decades.
Paul graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from UNSW in 1969 and Master of Science in Biophysics in 1976. After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research for 20 years where he developed one of the first medical expert systems to be deployed in regular clinical use. During that time, he pioneered a landmark technique known as Ripple Down Rules (RDR) allowing expert system knowledge bases to be incrementally built while they were in use.
Paul was Head of School of Computer Science and Engineering, which grew to become UNSW’s largest school at the time, and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Engineering. He served on both the Academic Board and University Council.
Paul leaves a lasting legacy at UNSW and will be greatly missed. I extend my condolences to Paul’s family, loved ones and all who were fortunate to know him.
UNSW Annual Report 2024
The UNSW Annual Report 2024 is now available, showcasing an incredible breadth of accomplishments and impacts. It’s a truly inspiring read! Thank you to everyone who contributed to our achievements in the past year and to the Corporate Communications and Finance teams behind the creation of the Annual Report.
There’s more to read Inside UNSW…
- I invite you to read UNSW’s Environmental Sustainability Report 2024, which was released last week on World Environment Day. All UNSW colleges are now fully electric, with gas systems replaced by 100% renewable energy. It’s a key achievement as the University strides toward its net zero emissions goal. Accelerating the transition to a sustainable society and planet is one of the nine strategic pillars that will guide our UNSW Strategy: Progress for All over the next decade.
- Nominations for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards are now open. It’s a great opportunity to recognise a colleague or team who makes a significant contribution to our University.
- Nominations are now open for the Australian Mental Health Prize, recognising those who have made outstanding contributions to mental health awareness and treatment.
- Following the April announcement of UNSW’s new flex-semester academic calendar starting in 2028, the Academic Calendar Team will continue to meet with staff across faculties and divisions to plan and support a smooth transition.
- A community symposium about Indigenous Cultural Knowledges will be held on Wednesday 25 June.
- In this edition’s staff profile, we meet Richard Hopkins, former Head of Operations for the world champion Red Bull Racing Formula One Team, who now serves as Team Principal for UNSW’s Sunswift.
Best regards
Attila
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor & President
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