Dear colleagues
I’ve just returned from India where I opened the new campus of UNSW Bengaluru in the state of Karnataka, India [pictured above]. For me, the most surprising and gratifying part of the launch was how much it already felt like UNSW.
Our wonderful Rector, Professor Payyazhi Vadakkekara Jayashree, has a deep understanding of, and commitment to, our Progress for All mission. The academics who have been recruited also made it clear that they have chosen a career at UNSW Bengaluru because they believe in our ethos and support our values.
I also had the chance to meet students from the first cohort and felt the same energy and potential that I experience when talking to students on the Kensington campus. With its excellent location in the heart of a science and technology park and an outstanding fit-out, the campus itself would not feel out of place in a corner of Kensington, Canberra or Wagga. Key to its location is industry connection. This has always been core to UNSW and our track record on employability, but it is even more important in India. Before the end of O-Week, the team have already locked in the first of many industry partnerships to provide work integrated learning, industry projects and internship opportunities for our students there.
The launch gave me great confidence that UNSW Bengaluru has the support of government, industry and the national media. The enthusiasm of representatives from sectors across the state and the country holds great promise for future partnerships, in line with our approach to engagement in Australia.
I would also like to make special mention of the many UNSW alumni who attended the launch and who offer an inspiring example of the benefits of a UNSW education to communities across India. They truly are a bridge between our two countries. Read more on the UNSW Newroom.
Pitch Night South West
The opening of UNSW Bengaluru meant I had to miss one of my favourite nights on the UNSW calendar, Pitch Night South West. Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement, Professor Verity Firth, filled in for me at the event. Eleven emerging entrepreneurs pitched an inspiring collection of ideas. Having judged this event in the past, I respect the difficult challenge presented to the judging panel of federal Education Minister Jason Clare, UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox, Flying Fox Ventures Co-founder and Investor Kylie Frazer and Westpac Managing Director of Business Lending Tamara Bryden. I received a text in India from Minister Clare immediately after he finished the evening, which reinforced how much he loved the event and our amazing founders. I wish the very best to all the aspiring entrepreneurs who are part of UNSW Founders. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
Eureka Prize finalists
I have felt a genuine sense of satisfaction this year as plans and projects that align with our Progress for All strategy are being successfully implemented and having impact. So it is doubly satisfying that the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes 2026 have named six UNSW projects as finalists. They range from the reintroduction of threatened species, to transforming waste into valuable materials and managing chronic pain. I’d encourage everyone to read about the six UNSW finalists. I’m sure you’ll share my pride in the achievements of our colleagues.
Enterprise Data Strategy Launch
One of the remarkable things that has happened over my time in the university sector has been the growth of data, in volume and in importance. Data and its use and management are now central to both the challenges and opportunities of the future. UNSW’s first Enterprise Data Strategy is focused on the future and the ways we need to take responsibility for protecting data, but at the same time use trusted and connected information to unlock potential improvements in the way we deliver education and identify problems before they arise. You’ll find a Sharepoint link to the strategy in the Inside UNSW story.
Law Student of the Year
Congratulations to UNSW final-year Media/Law student Raahat Shaik who has been awarded 2026 Law Student of the Year at the prestigious Lawyers Weekly awards. Raahat founded the No Child in Solitary campaign, a student-led initiative to end solitary confinement for children in detention. She was part of the Gateway Program and has a passion for children’s rights and youth justice.
Congratulations also to Associate Professor Sean Brennan and Dr Leon Terrill, recognised for academic excellence and to UNSW Law & Justice students and staff, on another great result. This is the second consecutive year UNSW has won Law Student of the Year. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
All-staff Town Hall Q&A
In the previous edition of Inside UNSW, we published answers to some of the many thoughtful contributions made by our colleagues during last month’s All-staff Town Hall. Thanks to the thorough work of our Chief Information Officer, we can provide answers to questions about AI at UNSW. Read this edition’s questions and answers. You will need your zID to log in.
Health Translation Hub design commended
UNSW’s most substantial investment of recent years has been the Health Translation Hub, a building that represents an incredible effort of consultation, planning, design and construction and is already playing a significant role in cementing UNSW leadership in confronting challenges in health and medical research. I’m delighted that the dedicated work put in by colleagues across the University is once again being recognised with a prestigious award. The UNESCO-affiliated Prix Versailles has named the UNSW Health Translation Hub as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Universities. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
There’s more to read Inside UNSW…
- Dr Ash Watson, Senior Lecturer and Scientia Fellow in the Centre for Social Research in Health in Arts, Design & Architecture, studies how technologies reshape social and cultural life, with a focus on AI and its impact on daily experiences. Read more in this edition’s AI Insider.
- As a Senior Project Officer in UNSW Science, Naomi Huynh manages the STEMM Champions program. Read about how a post-exam visit to the Australian Museum led to a career in science communication in this edition.
- Congratulations to the 33 researchers from across the UNSW Sydney community who have been awarded a total of more than $61 million through the 2026 NHMRC Investigator Grants. These exciting projects demonstrate UNSW’s research strength. Find out more on the UNSW Newsroom.
Best regards
Attila
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor & President
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