Curtin University
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest and most culturally diverse university, welcoming more than 53,000 students from all over the world. As an internationally focused institution, Curtin’s mission is to change minds, lives and the world through leadership, innovation and excellence in teaching and research.
Every faculty at Curtin is involved in high-impact, applied research that can make a real difference to industry and the community. Curtin’s research strengths are concentrated around four broad themes: minerals and energy, ICT and emerging technologies, sustainable development and health. Curtin is involved in more than 70 high-impact research centres and collaborations, including the Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Cisco Internet of Everything Innovation Centre and Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy. Curtin’s innovative approach to teaching, research and campus life has asserted its position on the international stage. Students can interact with virtual technologies in the Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch, dissect virtual bodies on the Anatomage tables and learn through virtual exploration of land, sea and space.
The university is a hive of activity. Between classes students can enjoy a wide range of activities including sports and fitness, social clubs and societies, volunteer work and exciting campus events. Students studying at Curtin’s multicultural campuses can expect to build life skills, join an international community and become part of a forward thinking culture committed to sharing innovative ideas. In line with developments in Perth, Curtin is also beginning to transform its main campus into a vibrant cultural hub where residents, students and business can live, work, study and socialise together as part of the Greater Curtin project.
Governance
Curtin University is established under the Curtin University Act 1966 (WA).
The Chancellor
Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO
Chancellor of Curtin University
Dr Vanessa Guthrie has served on Curtin’s governing body, University Council, since 1 April 2017 – and was appointed as Pro-Chancellor from 1 April 2020, then as Chancellor from 1 April 2024. Dr Guthrie is a highly accomplished executive and Non-Executive Director with broad and strategic experience across a portfolio of Board positions.
Dr Guthrie is a Non-Executive Director of Santos Limited, Lynas Rare Earths Limited, Orica and North American Construction Group Ltd; a Non-Executive Director of Cricket Australia; and Chair of FITE Brain Cancer.
Dr Guthrie has substantial experience in the mining industry in diverse roles including operations, environment, community, indigenous affairs, corporate development and sustainability. She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 for her contribution to sustainability in the mining industry and as a role model for women in business. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM).
Dr Guthrie has qualifications in geology, environment, law and business management, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Geology and an Honorary Doctor of Science from Curtin University.
Term: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2026
Governing body
University Council
The Council is the governing body of the University and its powers are set out in the Curtin University Act 1966 (WA). Section 8 of the Curtin University Act 1966 (WA) states that the Council is “the governing authority of the University”, while section 16 elaborates on the role of the Council as follows:
‘Subject to this Act, the Council has the management and control of the property and affairs of the University and may do all such acts and things as it may think best calculated to promote the interests of the University.’
In broad terms, the Council:
has responsibility for the autonomy of the University in governance and decision-making, independent of the government of the day at State and Federal levels
is responsible for the effective operation of the University
establishes the University’s strategic direction, drawing upon advice from the senior management
upholds the University’s Values as the basis for its own conduct as a body, and for the conduct of its individual members; and expects all staff and students of the University to do likewise
has responsibility for fostering the general welfare and development of the University’s enrolled students
has a responsibility to oversee the governance of the University’s health and safety systems and processes.
The Council exercises governance oversight of and is accountable for all of the University’s operations in and outside of Australia.
The Act provides for a Council comprising of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, members appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the State Minister for Education, co-opted members, an academic staff member elected by the academic staff, a non-academic staff member elected by the non-academic staff, enrolled students elected by students, members who are graduates of the University elected by graduates, and the Chairperson of the Academic Board.
For further information, refer to Curtin University’s Corporate Governance Statement.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Dr Vanessa Guthrie (31 March 2026) (Co-opted by Council)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM (Ex-Officio)
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Dale Pinto (31 March 2026)
Members appointed by the Governor
Ms Elisa Fear (31 March 2027)
Mr Damian Gordon (31 March 2027)
Ms Belinda Murray (7 March 2026)
Members co-opted by the Council
Pro-Chancellor: Mr Terry Agnew (31 December 2027)
Mr David Southam (31 March 2026)
Mr Darren Weaver (31 March 2027)
Mr Matt Mueller (31 March 2028)
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Professor Amy Tian (31 March 2027)
Professional Staff: Dr Kristy Noakes (31 March 2028)
Students (Postgraduate): Mr Bustanul Arifin (31 December 2025)
Students (Undergraduate): Mr Dylan Storer (31 December 2025)
Graduates: Ms Kim Gibson (31 March 2027)
Graduates: Ms Ashlee Harrison (31 March 2027)