University-of-Wollongong-logo.jpg

University of Wollongong

UOW has nine campuses throughout NSW, providing exceptional learning experiences that are specifically designed to meet the needs of our local students.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a leading global university powered by its people, partnerships and communities. We’re proud to be among the best modern universities in the world. In our 50-year history, we’ve built an international reputation for world-class research and exceptional teaching quality.

Internationally we have campuses in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Malaysia and a presence in China and Singapore. Through our partnerships with a number of international education institutions, we are creating a truly global learning environment, delivering a distinctive UOW experience across all locations. We foster a knowledge exchange and provide students with mobility opportunities to enrich their experiences and build lifelong networks.

UOW is a dynamic university, recognised for our innovative spirit and agility, we are fearless in confronting the challenges of tomorrow. Throughout our global network, UOW works together with industry, research partners, governments, communities and other universities to address society’s critical economic, environmental, social and medical challenges.

UOW’s new $80 million Molecular Horizons building opened on the Wollongong campus in 2020. Molecular Horizons is a centre for molecular and life sciences which houses Australia’s most advanced and powerful microscope. The work at Molecular Horizons will provide an understanding of how unwanted immune activity can cause disease, how bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, and how certain cell signalling events drive the development of cancer.

Construction is due to commence on UOW’s Health and Wellbeing Precinct in 2022. This Precinct will include a primary and community health clinic which offers truly integrated patient-centred healthcare, aged care and retirement living facilities, and research and teaching programs. Providing an inspiring model for other regional areas across Australia and the world.

Our Innovation Campus is a global nexus in strengthening business, education and research ties and has contributed greatly to increased collaboration between UOW and industry. The award-winning campus is helping to activate new economic activity and regional jobs, as well as increase Australia’s innovation performance. The $600 million precinct is home to four of the University’s research institutes, including:

  • Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM)

  • Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC)

  • iAccelerate, a business accelerator and incubator housing over 280 start-up entrepreneurs

UOW’s other research institutes and entities include Early Start Research Institute (ESRI), SMART Infrastructure Facility (SMART), Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH) and the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security (ANCORS). 

Governance at
University of Wollongong

Encompassing committees, policies and processes, and legislative compliance, UOW’s governance and ethical environment is grounded within a framework that fosters accountable, consistent and transparent decision making

Mr Michael Still

Chancellor of the University of Wollongong

Michael Still is a respected business leader and brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chancellor following a 30-year career leading public, private and not-for-profit organisations across a range of industries, including health, infrastructure and finance.

Throughout his career Michael has worked closely with universities to advance their research and commercialisation endeavours. He has also previously served on the NSW Government’s Medical Devices Fund, supporting investments in medical innovations and start-ups.

Michael has been heavily involved in the health care sector, notably as Chairman of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Chairman of the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct and as a board member of the Cancer Institute of NSW.

University Council

The Council is the governing authority of the University. One of the Council’s obligations is to ensure that the functions of the University, as set out in the University of Wollongong Act 1989 (NSW) (the Act) are met. The Council acts for and on behalf of the University and controls and manages the University’s affairs and concerns.

Council has approved the following Statement of Primary Responsibilities.

In accordance with its legislative responsibilities, Council has approved a statement of primary responsibilities which includes the following complementary responsibilities to those outlined in the Act:

  • through the Performance and Remuneration Committee, assess and determine the remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor;

  • approve key performance indicators for the evaluation of the Vice-Chancellor’s performance;

  • monitor the University’s performance in achieving goals;

  • review the University’s performance against budgets;

  • oversee University policies and practices to ensure consistency with relevant legislation and community expectations;

  • approve major decisions that have not been delegated to executive management;

  • foster and support links between the University and the community and network on behalf of the University to assist in achieving organisational goals;

  • oversee appropriate occupational health and safety policies;

  • manage the Council’s own affairs by:

    • establishing procedures to ensure it is in a position to perform its responsibilities;

    • monitoring and managing potential conflicts of interest;

    • effectively monitoring and managing its own operations, including proper execution by members of their fiduciary duties; and

    • reviewing and assessing Council’s performance through discussion at a confidential session of Council on an annual basis.

Council Membership

Official Members

Chancellor: Mr Michael Still
Deputy Chancellor: Mr Warwick Shanks OAM
Deputy Chancellor: Ms Nieves Murray
Vice-Chancellor: (Interim) Professor John Dewar AO
Chair of the Academic Senate: Professor Nina Reynolds

Appointed Members (Ministerial)

Vacant

Appointed Members (Council)

Ms Merran Dawson (to 31 December 2025)
Mr David Groves (to 31 December 2025)
Mr Mike Sneesby (to 1 May 2026)
Mr Greg West (to 31 December 2027)
Graduate Member: Ms Natalie Piucco (to 31 December 2025)
Ms Elli Baker (to 31 August 2027)

Elected Members

Academic Staff: Associate Professor Gökhan Tolun (to 31 December 2025)
Academic Staff: Distinguished Professor Gordon Wallace AO (to 31 December 2026)
Professional Staff: Ms Samantha Peace (to 31 December 2025)
Student: Mr Kyle Hewitt (to 31 December 2026)
Student: Mr Matthew Brown (to 31 December 2026)