Dear colleagues
I’m delighted to share that two UNSW researchers have been awarded the Snow Medical Research Foundation’s coveted fellowships, each worth $8 million over eight years. This is a significant recognition of the strength of UNSW research and the importance of supporting outstanding scientists to pursue ambitious, long-term work tackling complex health challenges.
Dr Deborah Burnett, from UNSW Medicine & Health, will use her fellowship to develop safer and more effective vaccines to prevent infections that can trigger autoimmune diseases. UNSW Conjoint Lecturer Dr Ira Deveson, from Garvan Institute of Medical Research, will focus on advancing genomic sequencing technologies to better understand human genetic diversity. They are among just three recipients nationally — an exceptional achievement! Congratulations to all three recipients and thank you to the Snow Medical Research Foundation for its immense generosity and commitment to advancing the future of medicine. Read more on the UNSW Newsroom.
Above L-R: Tom Snow, Chair Snow Medical, Snow Fellows Dr Deborah Burnett from UNSW Medicine & Health, Dr Ira Deveson from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Associate Professor Sudarshini Ramanathan from the University of Sydney, Georgina Byron AM, CEO Snow Foundation and Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President of UNSW.
UNSW Bengaluru campus update
As UNSW prepares for the launch of our Bengaluru campus, there is a strong sense of momentum across the University. The new campus will expand our global education offering and help meet growing demand for high-quality university places in India.
Significant progress is being made to bring the campus to life, with teams advancing regulatory approvals, workforce recruitment, and establishing systems and operations ahead of the first intake in August. A major focus has been on building the foundations of the student experience, from admissions and orientation to study support and progression, to ensure a high-quality UNSW experience in Bengaluru. I would like to thank everyone involved, especially our team on the ground, as we move closer to opening a campus that embodies our global outlook and commitment to excellence and impact. Read more in this edition of Inside UNSW.
Appointment: Chief Societal Economist and Vice-Chancellor's Professor
I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Scientia Professor Richard Holden as Chief Societal Economist and a Vice-Chancellor’s Professor.
In this role, Richard will provide senior intellectual leadership on the economic dimensions of the strategy, with a particular focus on societal impact, public policy engagement and evidence-informed debate. He will work to strengthen the University’s contribution to national and global discussions on economic and social challenges, while amplifying UNSW’s research excellence and thought leadership in this domain. The role reflects UNSW’s commitment to connecting rigorous scholarship with real-world impact.
Richard will commence as the Chief Societal Economist and Vice-Chancellor’s Professor on 20 April 2026.
Data shows UNSW has lowest gender pay gap among Go8 universities
Recently released data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) showed that UNSW had the lowest gender pay gap among the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in 2024–2025, with a 6.9% average total remuneration gap. This was an improvement on our 2023-2024 figure of 7.5% and below the higher education industry mid-point for 2024-2025 of 9.4%.
This is a positive step forward, and while progress is being made through deliberate action and transparency, there is always more work to do. The report importantly highlights the significant gap remaining and the work we must do. We will continue this work with focus and intent to drive equity for all staff. Read more about UNSW’s current initiatives to address the gender pay gap.
Loneliness and being alone festival and exhibition
This evening, I will launch loneliness and being alone, a week-long UNSW festival exploring loneliness as a growing public health challenge. Led by the Big Anxiety Research Centre, the program brings together researchers, students and partners across disciplines to examine social connection through creative and collaborative work. Highlights include a prototype AI companion developed in collaboration with our international students, reflecting innovative approaches to supporting those experiencing isolation. I encourage our community to visit the festival, engage with the program, and be part of this important conversation. Find out more about the festival.
There’s more to read Inside UNSW…
- Congratulations to Professor Bruce Neal and Associate Professor BJ Newton who have been recognised at the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Awards. Prof. Neal was recognised for his research into potassium-enriched salt, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of stroke, heart disease and early death. A/Prof. Newton was recognised for her research into how systems abuse within child protection affects Aboriginal communities and why these impacts persist.
- The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards celebrate the people who make UNSW a better place every day. Nominations for the VC Awards open on Monday 20 April, so now is a good time to start thinking about the colleagues you would like to see recognised.
- Dr Jake Renzella in the School of Computer Science and Engineering wants to empower students and teachers with the tools and knowledge to use AI creatively and responsibly. Read more in this AI Insider on AI literacy.
- Scientia Fellow and Deputy Director of the Creative Robotics Lab Dr Eduardo Benitez Sandoval is a social robotics researcher in the School of Art & Design with a strong sense of community. Read more in this edition’s staff profile.
- Find out how UNSW is shaping Lifelong Learning in the first LLL newsletter now available on SharePoint.
- A reminder that you can now book your flu vaccination at the UNSW Health Service – flu jabs are free for students and staff.
- We recently launched an Inside UNSW series spotlighting the voices of our UNSW Council. In this edition we meet UNSW staff members on Council.
Before I sign off on this message, I would like to extend an invitation to the UNSW community to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service on the Globe Lawn at 5am on Saturday 25 April 2026. I have had the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at UNSW on several occasions and it is a truly moving event. The service will be followed by a breakfast at the UNSW Regiment headquarters.
Best regards
Attila
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor & President
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