12 Academic and Learned Leaders in Western Australia

*Updated 6 August 2026.*

Western Australia has a distinctive academic and learned society landscape. Universities, research institutes, public science bodies and long-running societies all help the state ask better questions, build knowledge and turn ideas into practical progress.

This guide introduces 12 academic and learned leaders whose current roles connect research, education, public service, culture and the wider life of Western Australia. It is a recognition directory, not a ranking.

Why academic and learned society leadership matters

Academic leadership is not only about running an institution. It is also about setting a standard for inquiry, making room for different kinds of knowledge and helping people connect specialist work with the communities it is meant to serve. Learned societies add another layer by preserving conversation across disciplines and giving researchers a place to share ideas beyond one campus or one organisation.

For leaders in any sector, there is a useful lesson here. Strong institutions are built when purpose, expertise and relationships reinforce each other in the day-to-day work.

1. Harlene Hayne

Vice-Chancellor, Curtin University

Professor Harlene Hayne is Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University. Curtin says she was appointed in April 2021 and reappointed to continue through 2031. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Association for Psychological Science, bringing a research background in memory development and adolescent risk taking to the role.

2. Jonathan Bullen

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Curtin University

Professor Jonathan Bullen is Curtin's inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous in 2026. Curtin describes him as Wardandi Noongar and Yamatji, and says his earlier work helped shape Indigenous strategy, governance, education, research and engagement at the university. His role gives him a direct place in how Curtin builds Indigenous leadership.

3. Amit Chakma

Vice-Chancellor, The University of Western Australia

Professor Amit Chakma is Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia. UWA's current executive page lists him in the role, and a UWA account of the partnership with the Royal Society of Western Australia shows him connecting university leadership with the state's scientific society. That combination of institution-building and research partnership makes him an important voice in WA's academic landscape.

4. Anna Nowak

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, The University of Western Australia

Professor Anna Nowak is Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at UWA. UWA describes her as a clinician scientist and medical oncologist with research expertise in mesothelioma, neuro-oncology and tumour immunology. She is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, a Cancer Council WA director, and President-Elect of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.

5. Andrew Deeks

Vice Chancellor and President, Murdoch University

Professor Andrew Deeks is Vice Chancellor and President of Murdoch University. Murdoch describes the role as the university's most senior executive position, combining principal academic officer and chief executive responsibilities. He joined Murdoch on 28 March 2022, giving him a clear current place in WA higher education leadership.

6. Chanelle van den Berg

Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations, Murdoch University

Chanelle van den Berg is Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations at Murdoch University. Murdoch says the role supports participation and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, promotes a culturally safe environment, and supports the School of Indigenous Knowledges. That places First Nations leadership at the heart of the university's senior team.

7. Clare Pollock

Vice-Chancellor and President, Edith Cowan University

Professor Clare Pollock is Vice-Chancellor and President of Edith Cowan University. ECU says she commenced in September 2024 after more than two decades in higher education leadership, and arrived as ECU prepared for the City campus. Her remit links academic quality, research, strategic growth and community engagement.

8. Francis Campbell

Vice-Chancellor, The University of Notre Dame Australia

Professor Francis Campbell is Vice-Chancellor of The University of Notre Dame Australia. Notre Dame says he took the role in February 2020 after serving as a university vice-chancellor in London and working in diplomatic and public policy roles. His background gives him a distinctive bridge between higher education, public service and international relations.

9. Alex Frino

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Partnerships and International, The University of Notre Dame Australia

Professor Alex Frino is Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Partnerships and International at Notre Dame. The university describes him as a distinguished economist, former two-time Fulbright Scholar and a highly published financial economist. His portfolio puts research, partnerships and international connection together.

10. Treena Burgess

President, The Royal Society of Western Australia

Professor Treena Burgess is President of the Royal Society of Western Australia. The society's council page lists her as President and describes the council as responsible for managing the society's business and affairs. The RSWA is a natural home for WA's learned scientific tradition and its links with university research.

11. Sharath Sriram

Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Western Australian Government

Professor Sharath Sriram is Chief Scientist of Western Australia. The WA Government says he provides independent expert advice on science, innovation and technology, began a three-year term in June 2025, and previously served as President of Science and Technology Australia from 2023 to 2025. He also chairs the state's Science and Technology Council.

12. Fiona Wood

Director, Burns Service of Western Australia; Professor, UWA Medical School, Burns Service of Western Australia and The University of Western Australia

Professor Fiona Wood is Director of the Burns Service of Western Australia and Professor at UWA Medical School. WA Government and UWA sources describe her as a surgeon and researcher who pioneered burn care research and helped develop and commercialise ReCell. Her work shows how academic leadership can move from research into clinical practice and public service.

Conclusion

Use these names as a starting point for understanding the people and institutions shaping Western Australia's academic and learned society ecosystem. The group shows how university leadership, Indigenous strategy, research partnerships, public science and learned society stewardship can reinforce one another.

The common thread is purposeful connection. Strong academic and learned institutions make specialist knowledge useful to students, researchers, governments, industries and communities, and that is a leadership lesson well beyond higher education.

About the Author

Jonno White helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. He writes and teaches about practical leadership, team clarity and the work that makes organisations stronger.

Next Read or Related Reading

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A practical next step

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