Earlier this month, APRU Chief Executive, Prof. Thomas Schneider and Chief Strategy Officer, Christina Schönleber visited six leading Australian universities to deepen institutional partnerships, explore new areas of collaboration, and enhance student engagement across the Pacific Rim.
The University of Melbourne – September 1, 2025
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emma Johnston hosted the APRU delegation, which emphasized Melbourne’s leadership in the Indigenous Knowledges Network, forestry research at the Creswick Campus, and research. The strategic focus on Research Accelerators in climate, biodiversity, health, IK, and cybersecurity aligns closely with APRU’s mission.
The University of Sydney – September 2, 2025
Hosted by Prof. Annamarie Jagose, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, and her team, the visit focused on student engagement in APRU initiatives such as Open Dialogues and the Global Health Program. APRU thanks University of Sydney for their continued commitment to the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) program and dedication to advancing women’s leadership in higher education.
UNSW Sydney – September 2, 2025
Prof. Colin Grant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, welcomed the APRU team to discuss UNSW’s evolving international strategy aligned with the “Progress for All” vision. Topics included Global Launchpad Awards, student mobility, and UNSW’s expanding policy footprint through the Health Translation Hub, focusing on global challenges such as climate change and human rights.
The Australian National University (ANU) – September 3, 2025
The APRU delegation met Former Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell the previous day and continued the conversation with Director Jonathan Dampney and colleagues from the College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) to discuss ANU’s strategic engagement. Topics included the Year in Asia program, independent study shell courses, and potential collaboration with the Department of Pacific Affairs on climate change leadership.
The University of Adelaide – September 4, 2025
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Høj AC, PVC Prof. Michael Goodsite, and Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) highlighted Adelaide’s strengths in AI, food security, entrepreneurship, and forest ecosystems. The visit also explored the university’s transition process to Adelaide University and the innovative “students as partners” initiative, which empowers 500 student ambassadors. The visit reinforced The University of Adelaide’s alignment with APRU’s goals and opened discussions on future collaboration in areas such as health innovation, regional development, and student mobility.
The University of Queensland – September 5, 2025
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deborah Terry AC, DVC Rongyu Li, and PVC Brett Lovegrove engaged in discussions around biodiversity and marine research, food security at UQ Gatton, and AI in education. The delegates explored new areas of collaboration and strategies to enhance student engagement.
These visits reaffirmed the strong alignment between APRU’s mission and the strategic priorities of our member universities in Australia. We are excited to build on these foundations and continue fostering impactful collaboration across the region.