Acting chancellor Dr Geoffrey Fox said Professor Duncan’s appointment was the result of a competitive global recruitment process, where her knowledge and skills had stood out from a strong field of Australian and international candidates.

“Professor Duncan brings to the role of vice-chancellor a strong track record in research and leadership,” Dr Fox said.

“She is the right person to keep UNE at the forefront of both quality education and the UNE five-star student experience. 

“The entire UNE Council joins me in looking forward to working with her as she builds on UNE’s strong financial position to achieve further growth in student enrolments and ever-greater research excellence.”

Dr Fox also praised Professor Duncan’s commitment to working with the wider commuunity, citing her passion for forging even stronger “town to gown” links. 

Professor Duncan  said she was honoured to be leading such a unique tertiary institution.

“UNE’s student demographic is diverse, with both mature-aged students studying online and school-leavers studying on campus, supported by our vibrant and thriving college system providing an outstanding personal and scholarly experience,” she said. 

She also praised the professionalism of the UNE staff, saying she was eager to work with them to grow research and teaching capabilities.”

Professor Duncan, who replaces Professor Jim Barber, joined UNE in 2010 as deputy vice-chancellor, research.  Prior to coming to Armidale, she spent 16 years at CSIRO, including six years as chief of the division 

of molecular science, during which she acted as advisor to both the federal government and the United Nations on biological weapons control. 

She has also served in managerial roles with the Bio21 Institute at the University of Melbourne and the AgriBio Institute at La Trobe University.