University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky has renewed his contract until 2026.
Professor Zelinsky has been in the role since November 2018 and is the University of Newcastle’s eighth Vice-Chancellor.
He also leads the development of the ‘Looking Ahead’ Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
“I am grateful to the University Council, our staff and our students for their continued support, and I am excited to lead the University of Newcastle into an even brighter future,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“It is heartening to be part of a forward-looking organisation well-positioned to seize the opportunities that are emerging.
“I remain fully committed to delivering an outstanding experience for our students and to continue to serve a region blazing a trail in innovation, technological advancement and research commercialisation.”
Professor Zelinsky said he was proud of the university’s work in the Hunter’s transition to low-emission energy.
His contract renewal comes only days after the University of Newcastle announced its partnership with Port of Newcastle and Macquarie Green Investment Group in a $3M study for a potential hydrogen hub in the Hunter.
“The University of Newcastle is a leader in researching tomorrow’s energy and resources technologies, addressing renewable energy generation, transmission and storage,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“Our researchers are working to advance projects in hydrogen production, storage, utilisation and R&D to support the emergence of a hydrogen industry in the Hunter.
“Batteries and solar technologies, pumped hydro, biofuels and waste to energy are among the clean-energy solutions the university is advancing through its research towards a less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy future.”
University of Newcastle Chancellor Paul Jeans was delighted to secure Professor Zelinsky’s services for another term.
“Alex has shown great leadership since joining our university, and we are seeing great strides in our ‘Looking Ahead’ strategic plan to the benefit of our students, staff, our region and tertiary education generally,” Jeans said.
“The University of Newcastle’s motto is ‘I look ahead’ – and renewing Alex’s contract is key to ensuring the seamless delivery of our goals in sustainability, advancement of Indigenous education and the nurturing of community partnerships that are central to our region’s growth and prosperity.”
Information source: Media release, University of Newcastle