Curtin University
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest and most culturally diverse 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.
Curtin University is ranked among the world’s best. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2015, Curtin asserted its position amongst the top two per cent of universities worldwide, thanks to its growing reputation as a research-intensive university. In the Times Higher Education 2015 top 100 universities under 50 years of age, Curtin ranked at 81 worldwide.
In addition to its main campus in Perth, Western Australia, Curtin has campuses in Sydney, Malaysia and Singapore, and education centres in regional Western Australia. Curtin University is globally recognised for its strong international connections, and in 2016 ranked as the second most international university in Australia in the Times Higher Education Top 100 Most International Universities. Curtin always looks for new and innovative ways to strengthen its global presence. It currently enjoys partnerships with more than 90 institutions worldwide and welcomes the third-largest international student population of any Australian university.
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 University offers more than 100 courses across science, engineering, health sciences, business, humanities and Indigenous studies. Curtin’s courses emphasise industry connections and teach practical skills for the workplace. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015, Curtin’s architecture and built environment, art and design, earth and marine sciences and education fields were ranked in the top 100 in the world. Curtin’s flexible study options, leading research facilities and distinguished staff mean that students can expect to graduate career-ready with knowledge and skills highly sought-after by employers.
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 at
Curtin University
Curtin University is a body corporate established under the Curtin University Act 1966 (WA).
Dr Vanessa Guthrie
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.
The University Council
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.
In summary, the Council exercises governance oversight of and is accountable for all of the University’s operations in and outside of Australia.
For further information, refer to Curtin University’s Corporate Governance Statement.
Council Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Dr Sarah Pearson
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM
Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Adrian Walsh
Appointed Members (Governor)
Ms Elisa Fear (to 31 March 2027)
Mr Damian Gordon (to 31 March 2027)
Ms Belinda Murray (to 31 March 2027)
Appointed Members (Council)
Deputy Chancellor: Ms Jan McClelland AM
Graduate: Ms Kim Gibson (to 31 March 2027)
Mr Terry Agnew (to 31 December 2024)
Mr David Southam (to 31 March 2026)
Mr Darren Weaver (to 31 March 2027)
Elected Members
Academic Staff: Professor Amy Tian (to 31 March 2025)
Professional Staff: Dr Kristy Noakes (to 31 March 2025)
Undergraduate Student: Ms Jasmyne Tweed (to 31 December 2024)
Postgraduate Student: Mr Bustanul Arifin (to 31 December 2024)