Vice-Chancellor & President
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 AO
Vice-Chancellor and President
UNSW Sydney
Speeches & opinion
ABOUT THE VC
Professor Attila Brungs AO 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, and is Chair of the Committee for Sydney Research Committee. He is also a member of the NSW Vice-Chancellor’s Committee and contributes to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) as a member of the Higher Education Costing and Pricing Working Group.
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. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2026 for distinguished service to tertiary education leadership, to research and innovation and to social justice and equity.
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
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Please direct general enquiries about UNSW to
Phone: +61 2 9385 1000
Email: reception@unsw.edu.au -
Vice-Chancellor and President
Professor Attila Brungs AO
Phone: +61 2 9385 2855
Email: president@unsw.edu.auChief of Staff
David Cross
Phone: +61 2 9385 7222
Email: david.cross@unsw.edu.auSenior Executive Assistant
Simone Lehmann
Phone: +61 2 9348 5555
Email: simone.lehmann@unsw.edu.au -
Head of Communications
Larissa Baiocchi
Phone: +61 452 229 349
Email: l.baiocchi@unsw.edu.auPlease visit the Media enquiries page for other UNSW media enquiries.