Australian Research Council names new chief executive

Australian National University pro vice-chancellor to serve five-year term

Published on

January 17, 2025

Last updated

January 20, 2025

Chris Havergal

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Source: Jamie Kidston/ANU

A senior leader at the Australian National University has been appointed the next chief executive of the Australian Research Council.

Ute Roessner, currently pro vice-chancellor (research initiatives and infrastructure) at ANU and a renowned biochemist, will hold the post for a five-year term starting on 31 March.

Originally from Germany, Roessner moved Down Under in 2003 to join the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics and was head of the School of Biosciences at the University of Melbourne between 2018 and 2022.

The ARC has been led on an interim basis by career civil servant Richard Johnson since December 2023, when Judi Zielke stepped down owing to a health issue.

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Roessner’s appointment was made by the ARC board in consultation with the education minister, Jason Clare.

“On behalf of the ARC board, I warmly congratulate Professor Roessner on her appointment,” said Peter Shergold, the board chair. “We are confident her leadership will assist the board to drive reforms and further strengthen the ARC’s commitment to fostering high-quality research and promoting innovation.”

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Roessner said that it was a “privilege” to lead the ARC. “Together with the ARC board, I look forward to continuing to ensure the ARC plays a significant role in supporting, shaping and sustaining Australia’s world-class research,” she said.

Science & Technology Australia (STA) said that Roessner’s “deep experience bridging STEM and HASS disciplines, combined with her proven track record in developing sustainable national research infrastructure, positions her perfectly to lead the ARC in shaping Australia’s research future”.

“Professor Roessner’s collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to research excellence across disciplines will be invaluable assets as she guides the ARC forward,” said STA chief executive Ryan Winn.

“Her innovative approach to cross-disciplinary collaboration will help drive Australia’s research ecosystem forward. We look forward to working closely with her as she leads the ARC.”