Antony Perry
29 August 2018: The University of Canberra has appointed Professor Leigh Sullivan as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation.
Professor Sullivan currently holds the same position at Federation University Australia.
He will be responsible for leading the research and innovation agenda of the University of Canberra’s new strategic plan – Distinctive by Design – that emphasises further strengthening of the University’s research capabilities to solve real-world problems and drive entrepreneurship.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini welcomed Professor Sullivan to the University.
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The University of Canberra has appointed Professor Leigh Sullivan as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation. Photo: supplied
“We’re delighted to have someone of Professor Sullivan’s calibre eager to join the University of Canberra,” Professor Saini said.
“Professor Sullivan’s career resume speaks for itself. He is an accomplished researcher who has made a seamless transition from the laboratory to executive work.
“We are a young university looking to build on our achievements and make significant strides in the research and innovation space. Professor Sullivan will lead this journey masterfully.”
Prior to commencing at Federation University Australia in 2016, Professor Sullivan held appointments at Southern Cross University including Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Development).
During his time at Federation University Australia, Professor Sullivan has been responsible for Federation University Technology Park, the largest regional technology park in Australia with 65 enterprises and a capital value of $100 million.
Professor Sullivan has an international reputation for his research in acid sulfate soils and carbon biosequestration. He has obtained over $17 million in competitive funding to support his research activities and has published over 300 articles, books and chapters.
He was the Chair of the International Union of Soil Sciences’ Acid Sulfate Soil Working Group between 2002–2010 and then again between 2014–2018.
Professor Sullivan has been Deputy Chair and member of the Physics, Chemistry and Environment Panel for the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts (2012-2014). He has also served on other Australian Research Council advisory and selection committees including those for Centres for Excellence (2015–2016) and the Excellence in Research for Australia (2015).
“The University of Canberra deservedly enjoys an enviable national and international reputation,” Professor Sullivan said.
“I am very much looking forward to joining the University and to help assist the University and its stakeholders to achieve further success in all of their activities, but especially in those involving research, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Professor Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney.
Professor Sullivan will start in his role at the University of Canberra on 19 November 2018. Professor George Cho, who has been Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation since January, will return to the Faculty of Science and Technology when Professor Sullivan arrives.
