51²è¹Ý

Building a better world

Over the past five years, leading Swinburne’s governing body has been a privilege beyond measure. With immense gratitude and profound humility, I embrace the opportunity to serve another term as Chancellor.

The trust placed in me to continue in this role inspires my unwavering commitment to Swinburne’s vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world. This vision is not an abstract one; it is reflected daily in the remarkable work of our students, staff and partners whose talent, ingenuity and dedication are driving progress and transforming lives.

Together, as One Swinburne, we are forging a future defined by innovation, research and global impact

Swinburne's global reputation

Swinburne’s global reputation for excellence and impact was solidified this year.

Our university made its debut in the Top 100 globally for Research Quality in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Moreover, 51²è¹Ýclaimed the number one global position in Mathematics and Computer Science in the 2024 CWTS Leiden Rankings, based on the proportion of top one per cent publications, a testament to our significant research contributions in high-impact fields.

These accolades underscore the international influence of Swinburne’s research, spanning advanced manufacturing, health innovation, sustainability, aerospace and more, addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

Research excellence

The recognition of eight 51²è¹Ýacademics on Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list for 2024 further underscores our leadership in research excellence. Spanning 11 fields, our scholars are ranked in the top one per cent globally by citations, reflecting the enduring impact of their work over the past decade. This distinction is a testament to Swinburne’s culture of innovation and the outstanding talent within our academic community, which continues to shape the cutting edge of knowledge

Shaping a sustainable future

Swinburne’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy innovation is central to our mission.

This year, Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub was awarded the 2024 Engineers Australia Victorian Project of the Year for the $2.5 million Hydrogen Refuelling Station, in partnership with CSIRO and Pacific Energy. This project, one of Australia’s first all-in-one fast refuelling stations, represents a significant step in decarbonising transport and advancing a hydrogen-powered future.

This award demonstrates Swinburne’s leadership in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future, further exhibited by our collaboration with CSIRO on green steel and mineral processing technologies, addressing key challenges in transitioning to a net zero resources sector.

Our commitment to addressing the climate crisis is not just a statement, but a call to action that should inspire confidence and further action in our community.

This was evident at the Chancellor’s Oration, which focused on the theme, Every house, every business, every industry: Working together to ensure a resilient climate future. The event brought together thought leaders from academia, government and industry to confront the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of a rapidly transforming world.

While technology and energy systems are central to this transformation, a shift in our collective values and purpose is equally important. We are determined to lead in this space, creating innovative solutions that advance sustainability while fostering equity and prosperity for future generations.

This leadership is reflected in Swinburne’s ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. To ensure this milestone is officially verified, the university will work with Climate Active, taking rigorous steps to obtain certification by mid-2025. By aligning our efforts with a nationally recognised framework, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a benchmark for accountability and action, reinforcing our role as a catalyst for meaningful change

Leadership in gravitational wave science

This year also marked the launch of OzGrav 2.0, the next phase for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. With $35 million in funding, OzGrav 2.0 positions 51²è¹Ýas a world leader in gravitational wave science through 2031, expanding our understanding of the universe and illustrating the transformative power of research.

On behalf of the university community, I extend my deepest congratulations to the head of this Centre of Excellence, Swinburne’s Professor Matthew Bailes, on receiving the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. His visionary work in astrophysics and his revolutionary discovery of fast radio bursts have reshaped our understanding of the cosmos. Professor Bailes embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Swinburne, and his achievements inspire all of us to reach for new horizons.

Excellence in Vocational Education

In addition to groundbreaking research, 51²è¹Ýcontinues to excel in vocational education and industry engagement. Our vocational students shone on the world stage at the WorldSkills International Championships in France, showcasing the immense value of hands-on education and its role in preparing a highly skilled workforce. These students are perfect examples of the quality of Swinburne’s dual-sector model, which bridges academic knowledge with practical skills to equip students with the agility and expertise required for an evolving global landscape.

51²è¹Ýwas also awarded approximately $25 million by the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to expand the ground-breaking Skills for Education and Employment program. The program has helped more than 3,000 students over the past 16 years and reflects what 51²è¹Ýdoes best in education—building skills for every learner, connecting deeply with industry and helping our students land or create a job, and craft a career that they can be proud of. 

Engaging with our communities

51²è¹Ýtakes its role in the fabric of Australian life seriously. We listen deeply to our stakeholders through regular engagement across industry, community and government, transforming this insight into impact through co-created solutions to the major challenges facing our country and the world.

Whether it be in our local communities through partnerships with Boroondara, Maroondah and Knox City Councils, and Rotary clubs across Melbourne, or more broadly across the state through programs such as Children’s University, we strive for meaningful change through action, not just words.

In 2024, 51²è¹Ýalso welcomed Professor Tien D. Kieu to our governing body. A renowned expert in quantum physics and computation, Professor Kieu brings expertise that bridges academia and public service. His extraordinary journey—from refugee to esteemed professor to member of the Victorian Legislative Council— enriches Swinburne’s leadership with a unique perspective. His appointment strengthens the university’s capacity to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Challenges and opportunities of the future 

While 2024 has been a year of extraordinary achievements, universities face significant challenges as they navigate persistent funding constraints, growing societal expectations and a rapidly evolving global education landscape. Bold reform is critical.

I am confident that 51²è¹Ýis uniquely positioned to lead this transformation as a dualsector provider, combining academic and practical education to create innovative models that ensure relevance, sustainability and impact.

I remain deeply optimistic about Swinburne’s trajectory as we look to the future. With Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester, our exceptional staff and our valued partners, we will continue to elevate Swinburne’s global reputation as a leader in innovation, teaching and research.

The trust that the 51²è¹ÝCouncil and our community have placed in my leadership is a profound honour. I remain committed to advancing our purpose of shaping a sustainable, inclusive future through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship