Dear colleagues
UNSW has celebrated two major milestones in the past week, demonstrating our commitment to transforming health and education in Australia. The UNSW Health Translation Hub in Randwick was officially opened on Monday, uniting researchers, clinicians and industry partners to advance the translation of discoveries into real-world impact in areas such as cancer, mental health, ageing and personalised medicine. Meanwhile, the new UNSW Biomedical Sciences Centre in Wagga Wagga, officially opened last week, allows students to complete their full medical degree locally, broadening access to education and supporting the growth of a skilled regional health workforce. Together, these achievements reflect UNSW’s mission of progress for all, helping to build healthier, more connected communities across the state.
UNSW Health Translation Hub officially opened by NSW Premier
Monday’s opening of the UNSW Health Translation Hub (pictured top) marked a proud milestone for our University. It was an honour to welcome the NSW Premier, the Hon. Chris Minns MP, who officially opened the facility. The hub represents much more than a new building — it is a centre for partnership, innovation and discovery that will strengthen the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and improve health and wellbeing across our communities. By fostering close connections between research, education, healthcare and industry, the hub will accelerate progress from laboratory to patient care. My thanks to everyone whose dedication and vision have made this achievement possible. This is an achievement that has taken almost a decade of dedication and a village of talented individuals to bring about. Together, we are creating a world-class environment for discovery, care and collaboration. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
UNSW Biomedical Sciences Centre officially opened in Wagga Wagga
UNSW reached another important milestone for the future of health last week with the official opening of the new Biomedical Sciences Centre in Wagga Wagga. The centre enables students to complete their medical degree in Wagga Wagga from start to finish, giving them the chance to study in an environment that’s more accessible, more affordable and closer to their families and communities. This represents a significant investment in rural medical education and a clear recognition of its value — not only to students, but to the communities they will go on to serve. The campus will play an important role in developing local medical professionals and supporting better health outcomes across regional Australia. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
UNSW tops the nation in sustainability
I’m delighted to share that UNSW has been ranked the top university in Australia and Oceania, and equal seventh globally, in the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. Consistently ranking among the top global institutions and now leading in the nation demonstrates that UNSW is cultivating world-class thinkers to address society’s greatest social and sustainability issues. Importantly, we were ranked number 1 in the world for Social Impact, in a year where we launched our new strategy, doubling down on our aspiration for progress for all, it is wonderful recognition.
But, we have more responsibilities than most organisations as we must contribute in four concrete ways: developing and supporting the future industry and community leaders through our students, creating relevant and implementable solutions through our research, convening and building the community networks to tackle the transition, and ensuring that our own campuses are models of sustainability.
The result underscores UNSW’s longstanding commitment to driving a more sustainable future. Guided by our forthcoming Climate Transition Plan, we are accelerating innovation in renewable energy, decarbonisation, clean water access, and more, working closely with industry to scale solutions with real-world impact. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
UNSW first for Career Impact: AFR Best Universities Rankings
UNSW has received another outstanding distinction, ranking first for Career Impact and equal second overall in the Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) annual rankings of the best Australian universities, released on Monday.
This marks the third consecutive year UNSW has led the nation for Career Impact, reinforcing our dedication to preparing graduates who are ready to thrive in the workforce.
The AFR Rankings assess universities across key pillars such as Research and Career Impact, as well as factors like student satisfaction and equity. UNSW improved our overall position from third last year to equal second alongside the University of Queensland. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
A decade of impact: honouring Australia’s mental health champions
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Australian Mental Health Prize — a UNSW initiative established to recognise the individuals driving positive change in mental health across Australia. Over the past decade, the prize has honoured advocates, clinicians, researchers, peer workers and community leaders who have changed lives, reshaped systems, reduced stigma and improved care. Its impact has reached more than 12 million Australians, inspiring hope and collective progress. This milestone year celebrates both trailblazers and a new generation of change-makers.
Congratulations to this year’s winners: Professor Pat Dudgeon, Professor Brian Burdekin AO, Major Hugo Toovey and Mr Keith Donnelly who embody the compassion, innovation and impact that define this prize. Their contributions will leave a lasting legacy in creating a more supportive and inclusive future. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
$30m donation to establish residential women’s college
I’m pleased to share that UNSW has received a record $30 million philanthropic donation from the H.S. Chau Foundation to establish the H.S. Chau College – a new residential college aimed at providing a supportive, community-focused environment for female STEM students. The college will be located within the forthcoming Horizons Building at the Kensington campus, with construction slated to commence in 2027 and opening expected in 2029. The donation marks the largest gift to student accommodation in UNSW’s history and will significantly enhance opportunities for women in science and engineering. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
Celebrating our 2025 Indigenous graduates
It was a pleasure to attend the 2025 UNSW Indigenous Graduates Celebration (pictured above) last week and acknowledge the achievements of this year’s graduating cohort. These graduates represent a diverse range of disciplines and are well placed to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields and communities.
UNSW is enriched by the cultural contributions of our Indigenous students, who share their knowledge, traditions and leadership across the University. I’d also like to recognise the mentors, tutors and community leaders at Nura Gili and throughout our faculties and divisions for their support of UNSW’s Indigenous students during their studies.
Plans progressing for UNSW India Campus
Since its establishment in 2023, the University Office of Global Affairs (UOGA) has launched funding initiatives and projects aligned with UNSW’s Global Strategy across countries including China, Fiji, India, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, European Union, the Americas and Timor-Leste. Building on this momentum, the University is advancing plans to open our first permanent overseas campus in Bengaluru, India – an initiative designed to expand access to UNSW’s world-class education for thousands of Indian students, delivering to local needs in Bengaluru. While still pending formal approval, the proposed campus marks a major landmark in delivering on our UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, strengthening global engagement, and deepening the University’s impact in a region of strategic importance. Read more in this edition of Inside UNSW.
Advancing collaboration and engagement in China
Last week, I visited China with colleagues from across the University, where we met with representatives from leading institutions including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE) to strengthen collaborations and explore new opportunities for partnership.
A particular highlight of the trip was reconnecting with our alumni community in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Their stories of achievement, leadership and innovation were truly inspiring. It was wonderful to see how their UNSW experiences continue to shape their personal and professional journeys — and how they are making meaningful contributions across diverse sectors and communities.
I also had the pleasure of attending the UNSW Technology Commercialisation Showcase 2025, which highlighted how our partnerships — including with NICE and the Wuxi Industrial Innovation Research Institute (WIIRI) — are turning research into real-world solutions. Through these partnerships we are building a platform that empowers researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to co-create solutions to the grand challenges of our time.
I would like to thank Rachel Wei and her wonderful colleagues in the UNSW China team (pictured above) for the incredible work they do for UNSW on a daily basis.
Above: UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs with UNSW alumni.
Celebrating excellence in sport
The UNSW Sports Awards are a highlight of the University calendar, one I’m always delighted to attend, and I was sorry for the first time to miss the event this year due to travel commitments. The event celebrated an outstanding year of achievement across UNSW sport and acknowledged the individuals and clubs whose dedication, talent and leadership continue to elevate the University’s reputation. Read a full wrap.
UNSW Business School update
Scientia Professor Richard Holden and Professor Paul Andon have been appointed as Co-Deans of the UNSW Business School, effective from 24 November 2025 until the appointment of a permanent Dean. Their appointment follows the announcement last month that after six years of distinguished service, Professor Frederik Anseel would step down as Dean of the UNSW Business School to take up an international appointment.
There’s more to read Inside UNSW…
- Congratulations to Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO, Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, who has been named NSW Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his outstanding dementia research.
- Congratulations to Professor Kaarin Anstey and Dr Felix Rizzuto, who have been awarded NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, recognising their world-leading research in dementia prevention and next-generation nanotechnology.
- As the summer months approach, read about UNSW Canberra's Dr Duncan Sutherland whose research on ember dispersion uses equations to model how a bushfire will spread.
- With the rollout of OpenAI ChatGPT Edu licences for continuing and fixed-term staff, we encourage you to learn about our AI support tools and build your AI literacy.
- President of the UNSW Alumni Association and past scholarship recipient Ken Haylan talks about how a 'gift in Will' can change students' lives.
It was wonderful to see many of you at Community Day yesterday. It’s one of my favourite days of the year at UNSW.
Best regards
Attila
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor and President
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