DR Alex Zelinsky will take the reins of the University of Newcastle as vice-chancellor later this year.
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The Council of the University of Newcastle confirmed Dr Zelinsky, a computer scientist, roboticist and systems engineer, would succeed Caroline McMillen in November.
Dr Zelinsky, a member of the University of Wollongong Council for three years to 2015, holds a Doctor of Philosophy and an honorary Doctor of Science from that institution, as well as a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.
As Australia’s chief defence scientist since 2012, he was also a group executive at the CSIRO for eight years and an academic at the Australian National University.
University of Newcastle Chancellor Paul Jeans said Dr Zelinsky was chosen after an exhaustive international search.
“Dr Zelinsky has the rare combination of experience in research, education, industry and start-ups – a background that will help our university further collaborate and connect across the region and the globe,” Mr Jeans said.
“The University of Newcastle is a leader in equity, Indigenous education, research and innovation and has risen strongly in key university rankings in a very competitive global environment. We’re confident that Dr Zelinsky will continue the University’s successful trajectory in all of these areas and further accelerate our position as a local and global asset.”
“Inspired by his father’s transition from steelworks labourer to university graduate, Dr Zelinsky knows first-hand how education can unlock potential and enable someone to change the world.”
Dr Zelinsky becomes the eighth vice-chancellor in the university’s 53-year history as Professor Caroline McMillen retires on November 4 after seven years.
