Professor Brigid Heywood 
04/05/2016
picture – Peter Mathew

The University Council has appointed Professor Brigid Heywood as the next Vice-Chancellor of UNE.

Professor Heywood (BSc) (PhD) was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Tasmania from 2015 until January 2019. In that role, she held responsibility for the research and innovation strategy of the University, the University research institutes, research students, research infrastructure and commercialisation services.

Prior to taking up the position at UTAS, Professor Heywood was the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Research, Academic and Enterprise at Massey University in New Zealand, where she led the development and implementation of strategies, policies and standards that underpin its research and teaching effort. In additional to a number of international placements, she has also held executive leadership appointments at Keele University and at the Open University in the UK. Preceding this position Professor Heywood held the office of Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at England’s Open University.

Professor Heywood holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from Manchester University (UK) and received her PhD from Liverpool University (UK) where she specialised in studies of biomineralisation.

Her subsequent research career developed out of the discipline transition from applied biological sciences to materials chemistry. A trail blazer in many respects, she was the first woman in the United Kingdom to hold an established Chair in Inorganic Chemistry – a notable achievement given her founding disciplinary background.

In addition to her core academic and executive roles, Professor Heywood has been a champion for equity and diversity across a range of communities. She is also known for being a strong and passionate advocate for regional universities and their role in fostering opportunities through engagement and partnerships.

Professor Heywood will commence in the role of Vice-Chancellor in July. 

Read the media release.