Swinburne Chancellor reappointed for second term

The Swinburne University of Technology Council is pleased to announce the reappointment of Professor John Pollaers OAM as Chancellor for a second five-year term, through to 2029.  

Since his appointment in 2019, Professor Pollaers has led the Swinburne Council through a remarkable period of growth and achievement for the university, driven by the clear strategic focus and progressive approach of Swinburne’s Horizon 2025 strategic plan.

“Swinburne is now the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Professor Pollaers said.

“We are unified under a shared vision to bring people and technology together to build a better world, and together we are reaching for our ambitious moon shots around employability, work-integrated learning, research, industry collaboration and global best practice.”

“This has helped us enhance our reputation on the world stage and solidify our position as a leading global institution of higher education.”

Professor Pollaers said that nothing demonstrated Swinburne’s success better than the university’s spectacular rise in academic global rankings.

“We are particularly proud to have climbed into the Top 250 of the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings – a leap of 100 places compared to the previous year,” Professor Pollaers said.

“This did not happen by accident. This was a result of the hard work of our professional and academic staff across higher and vocational education. It was Horizon 2025 in action, our strategic plan like no other, developed with our people under the vision and leadership of our Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester. 

“It was with the support of Council I was delighted to announce Professor Quester’s reappointment for a further five-year term as Vice-Chancellor in August last year.”

Looking to the future

Professor Pollaers said it has been an honour to lead Swinburne’s governing body for the past five years, and he was excited to continue guiding the university in the years ahead.

“I am humbled to have been endorsed by my Council colleagues to continue as Chancellor for another term, and I know we will continue to work together as One Swinburne to positively influence society by transforming lives through education and research,” Professor Pollaers said.

“By welcoming the best domestic and international students, doing world-leading research, and working together with industry to drive practical solutions to major societal issues, we can continue our upward trajectory. 

“We are proud to be the sort of university the future demands – a unique, dual-sector institution providing graduates with the innovative, next-generation qualifications they need in a tech-led world. 

“Swinburne’s remarkable achievements stem directly from the exceptional individuals who comprise our community, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to our shared success – my colleagues on the Council, our dedicated academic and professional staff, our vibrant student body, alumni, partners and stakeholders.”

Working together

Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne, Professor Pascale Quester, said Professor Pollaers has brought his significant expertise from a distinguished career across the public and private sectors to Swinburne.  

“Professor Pollaers has been a steadfast supporter of Swinburne and we have deeply appreciated his guidance as we have navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the last few years,” Professor Quester said.

“I look forward to continue working with Professor Pollaers as we deliver our Horizon 2025 strategic plan and begin the process of looking further into the future on our exciting trajectory to the stars.”