Duncan, Annabelle Prof

Professor Annabelle Duncan PhD, FTSE, PSM, served as the thirteenth Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of New England from 2014 to 2019, having first joined as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in 2010. 

A microbiologist who earned her PhD from La Trobe University, her career prior to UNE was marked by a sixteen-year tenure at CSIRO and significant service as an advisor to the Australian government and the United Nations on biological weapons control, for which she received the Public Service Medal in 1996.

During her leadership at UNE, Duncan focused on elevating the institution's research reputation through the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) framework and directed the Strategic Plan 2016–2020, which emphasized UNE’s regional impact and global agricultural partnerships. Her tenure was specifically recognized for her transparent handling of cultural reforms regarding safety in residential colleges and her dedicated advocacy for equitable educational access for rural and disadvantaged communities.

https://www.une.edu.au/about-une/governance/une-council/council-committees/media/documents/Citation-Annabelle-Duncan.pdf