University of Sydney
As Australia’s first university, the University of Sydney has a proud history of global leadership in education and research and inspiring people from all backgrounds to contribute to positive real-world change.
Our international rankings reflect our sustained track record of excellence and global reputation – we are equal 19th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024). We offer an exceptional range of disciplines – more than 400 areas of study – and our community includes nearly 70,000 students, 8400 permanent and fixed-term staff and over 430,000 alumni around the world. We engage with partners across industry, government, non-profit and community sectors to answer the biggest questions facing society, business and our communities worldwide.
Governance
Academic and professional staff are committed to ensuring our University continues to meet the highest academic standards and remains true to its founding principles.
The Chancellor
Mr David Thodey AO, FTSE
Chancellor of the University of Sydney
David Thodey AO, FTSE became the 19th Chancellor of the University of Sydney on 1 July 2024. He is widely recognised for his contributions over 30 years to science and technology, business, public service and the community, with significant experience in driving innovation in start-ups, large companies and public sector bodies.
An advocate for the real-world impact of research translation, David is known for prioritising people across all the fields he has worked in and is dedicated to delivering a great experience for our students and staff, and great partnerships beyond the University.
In addition to his role as Chancellor, he is currently Chair of Xero, a global cloud-based accounting solution and Ramsay Health Care, a global hospital group. Prior to becoming Chancellor, he had been a member of Senate’s Finance Committee since 2022
He is passionate about environmental sustainability and co-chairs the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, an Australian non-profit established to help preserve the Great Barrier Reef. He is also co-chair of the Climate Leaders Coalition.
Previous roles include serving as chief executive of IBM Australia and New Zealand (1999–2001) and Telstra (2009–15), and as chair of the CSIRO (2015–21).
David is active in public policy and led an Independent Review of the Australian Public Service (APS). He also chaired a NSW Government-appointed panel to lead an independent review of Federal Financial Relations. Most recently, he led a user audit of the myGov government services digital portal.
In 2020, he was Deputy Chair of the Federal Government’s National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCC) Advisory Board, supporting the Government to navigate the challenges faced during the early stages of the pandemic.
David is an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for ethical business leadership. He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science and Technology from Deakin University and an Honorary Doctor of Business from both University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney.
Term: July 2024-June 2028
Governing body
The Senate
The Senate is the governing authority of the University of Sydney and has the functions conferred or imposed on it by or under the University of Sydney Act 1989 (NSW) (as amended).
Chaired by the Chancellor, the University of Sydney Senate oversees all major decisions concerning the conduct of the University. It is responsible for staff appointments and welfare, student welfare and discipline, financial matters and the physical and academic development of the University. It also awards all degrees and diplomas and is responsible to the Parliament of NSW.
Primary responsibilities
Appointing the Vice-Chancellor as the principal executive officer of the University, and monitoring their performance
Approving the mission and strategic direction of the University, as well as the annual budget and business plan
Overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance
Establishing policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations
Approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any controlled entities
Overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings
Overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University
The statutory powers and responsibilities of Senate are defined by section 16 of the University of Sydney Act 1989 (NSW).
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: David Thodey AO FTSE (June 2028)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Mark Scott AO
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Jane Hanrahan (31 December 2025)
Members appointed by the Minister
Professor Tom Calma AO (1 June 2028)
Ms Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM (31 May 2029)
Members appointed by the Senate
Deputy Chancellor: Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew (30 November 2027)
Pro Chancellor: Dr Lisa McIntyre (31 May 2027)
Pro Chancellor: Jason Yat-sen Li (31 May 2027)
Shirley Chowdhary (30 November 2027)
Ms Karen Moses OAM (31 May 2026)
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Professor Ben Saul (31 May 2027)
Academic Staff: Professor Joel Negin (31 May 2027)
Professional Staff: Edwina Grose (31 May 2027)
Students (Postgraduate): Weihong Liang (30 November 2026)
Students (Undergraduate): Ethan Flloyd (30 November 2026)