Vice-Chancellor & President

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It is my honour to be Vice-Chancellor and President of UNSW Sydney, one of the world’s leading teaching and research-intensive universities. I’m also proud to be a UNSW graduate (BSc. 1993).

Since UNSW was established in 1949 we have remained committed to our founding purpose of anticipating and responding to the needs of society, in New South Wales and more broadly.Today, that purpose is reflected in our vision:
To improve lives globally, through innovative research, transformative education and commitment to a just society.

This vision drives everything we do. We aspire to provide our students with a world-class university experience that leads to fulfilling lives and careers underpinned by a desire to make a difference.
I am privileged to work among the wonderful UNSW community of students, colleagues, alumni, University partners and our generous supporters, who share a vision for positive societal impact. Together, we are equipping students with the crucial skills and knowledge and conducting ground-breaking research to help address some of the world’s biggest challenges.
As you browse this and other UNSW websites, I hope you enjoy discovering inspirational stories of our world-class University and our collective endeavour to improve lives around the world.

Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor and President
UNSW Sydney

Speeches & opinion

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ABOUT THE VC

Professor Brungs is a distinguished academic and higher education leader, and a proud alumnus of the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Professor Brungs commenced his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of UNSW on 31 January 2022, following eight years as Vice-Chancellor and President of University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (2014 – 2021). He has extensive experience in the government and corporate sectors including senior roles with CSIRO and McKinsey & Company. He currently serves on the Universities Australia Board, Group of Eight Board, NSW Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, NSW Innovation and Productivity Council, and the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (Cth).

After graduating from UNSW with a Bachelor of Science and the University Medal in Industrial Chemistry, Professor Brungs attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and attained a Doctor of Philosophy in Inorganic Chemistry. In 2018, he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Technology and Engineering for his research into heterogeneous catalysis and for his leadership in the higher education sector.

The fundamental belief that universities exist as a public good for the benefit of all drives Professor Brungs’ passion for higher education and research. He is committed to supporting the talents and creativity of students, staff and alumni, and partnering with government, industry and other academic institutions to drive innovation and excellence for positive societal impact.

He is a dedicated innovator who believes universities have the responsibility to prepare their students for the jobs of the future and to be instrumental in creating those opportunities.

Professor Brungs is honoured to have returned to UNSW to lead the University in its mission to improve lives globally, through innovative research, transformative education and a commitment to a just society.

Contact us

View Professor Brungs on LinkedIn or send us an email. Additional contact options are below.