University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor to conclude his term in 2025

“I still have a lot to achieve this year and I look forward to working with the Chancellor and my colleagues to deliver on the University’s strategic agenda," said University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell. The University will now commence a global search for the next Vice-Chancellor, according to the official statement.

Image source: University of Melbourne

Study in Australia: The University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell will step down in early 2025. He joined the university in October 2018, and ever since he joined, he has led the institution with great distinction through the extraordinary challenge of the global pandemic, guiding the institution towards a position of stability and continuing success, said the university statement.

Commenting on his decision to conclude his term at the University of Melbourne, Professor Maskell said, "It has been an honour to be the custodian of Australia’s top university through such extraordinary times. I am proud of everyone in the University community who has worked together to ensure that the University of Melbourne remains one of the world’s great universities. I still have a lot to achieve this year and I look forward to working with the Chancellor and my colleagues to deliver on the University’s strategic agenda.”

About Professor Duncan Maskell's Leadership

Under his leadership, the University of Melbourne is developing the Australian Institute of Infectious Disease (AIID) in Parkville to future-proof the national effort to tackle pandemics and infectious diseases. It is a $650 million project supported by the Victorian State Government.

His commitment to the development of the entrepreneurship system at the University of Melbourne, and in Melbourne more generally, led to the University becoming the first in Australia to introduce an end-to-end funding platform to support research commercialisation.

Chancellor Jane Hansen AO said that history will show how the VC led the university during the most challenging period of a pandemic.

"Not only did Professor Maskell ensure that the University survived, but he has ensured that it has continued to advance its teaching and research excellence and enhance its world-class reputation. Professor Maskell’s advocacy for increasing the number of students from under-represented backgrounds through Narrm Scholarships is a hallmark of his time as the University of Melbourne’s Vice Chancellor, along with his work to support ongoing investment in research. I look forward to working with Professor Maskell in his final year at the University and acknowledging his full contribution closer to the end of his term,” said the Chancellor.

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