Dr Sarah Pearson (DPHIL (OXON), GAICD, FTSE) has a diverse background in Australia and internationally in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, investment, economic development and industrial strategy. She has previously served in leadership roles across higher education, industry and government sectors. These include Ministerial appointment to the Australian National University Council, Chief Scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Chief Executive Officer at ANU Enterprise and Global Head of Open Innovation at Cadbury. She holds a PhD from Oxford University in Particle Physics.

Sarah has strong connections with UNE, Armidale and the New England region through her family and her work as a Physics academic at UNE from 2000 to 2006, during which time she lived in Armidale with her family. At UNE, her passion for “leaving no one behind” led her to drive regional engagement, encouraging young people to see science and university study as a great option for them. She founded ‘Science in the Bush’ and the Armidale branch of the ‘Science and Engineering Challenge’, drawing hundreds of young people to the UNE campus, as well as visiting schools in the region. She continues to be committed to encouraging young women into science and leadership.

Sarah currently serves on the Board of the Commonwealth Treasury’s Foreign Investment Review Board, the Investment Committee at Main Sequence Ventures and a number of commercial and not-for-profit Boards. She has a strong commitment to Australia’s economic and social future, and her advice has led to long lasting impact regionally, nationally and internationally.

As Chancellor, Dr Pearson brings to the University a wealth of experience, connectivity and ambition for UNE. Her vision and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the University Council and the broader UNE community in advancing our strategy in 2025 and beyond.