The Australian National University (ANU) has announced that cultural anthropologist Genevieve Bell will succeed Brian Schmidt as its vice-chancellor.

Professor Bell, a former vice-president of Intel Corporation, has been at ANU since 2017, establishing its School of Cybernetics and its Autonomy, Agency and Assurance Institute. She has also served as interim dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics.

Born in Sydney, she spent the bulk of her career in the US, completing a PhD at Stanford University and going on to hold a series of senior roles at Intel. Her expertise is the relationship between cultural practice and technological innovation.

Professor Schmidt, the winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics, has led ANU since 2016. He announced earlier this year that he would return to his faculty position as a professor of astronomy, and will be succeeded by Professor Bell at the start of 2024.

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¡°It is with great pleasure that I am able to hand over the leadership of ANU to Genevieve Bell,¡± Professor Schmidt said. ¡°She is someone who is both a leading intellectual and deeply committed to the values of the university, and I know she will do a superb job as vice-chancellor.¡±

Professor Bell, who will be the first woman to lead ANU, said she was ¡°honoured¡± by the appointment.

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¡°As Australia¡¯s national university, ANU is a truly unique institution. I¡¯m excited to work alongside talented, committed colleagues, in all parts of the university, to build on our legacy and advance our important national and international mission,¡± she said.

Julie Bishop, ANU¡¯s chancellor, described Professor Bell as ¡°a compelling and passionate leader, with a deep understanding of the university¡¯s distinctive mission, remarkable legacy, vibrant culture and tremendous assets¡±.

¡°With an extensive and distinguished track record, Genevieve offers great leadership and strategic capabilities, which will be critical as the university addresses its distinctive opportunities and responsibilities as Australia¡¯s national university,¡± Ms Bishop said.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com