Monash University appoints former head of CSIRO and Australian Space Agency as Chancellor
Monash University has today announced the appointment of Dr Megan Clark AC as the next Chancellor of Monash University, following incumbent Chancellor, Simon McKeon AO’s decision to step down from his position.
Dr Clark, who will commence in the role on Tuesday 2 July 2024, is renowned for her significant contributions to science and technology in Australia.
She chaired the Review of Australia’s Space Industry Capability in March 2018 and served as the inaugural Head of the Australian Space Agency from 2018 to 2020 before she became Chair of the Agency’s advisory board, and prior to that served as Chief Executive of Australia’s leading science and technology organisation, the CSIRO.
Dr Clark is the first woman to be appointed to the position of Chancellor at Monash University.
In recognition of her professional career Dr Clark was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to scientific research and development in 2014 and the prestigious Australian Academy of Science Medal in 2019. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (ATSE), and holds a bachelor’s degree with first class honours from the University of Western Australia and a PhD in Economic Geology from Queen’s University, Canada.
Dr Clark joined the Council of Monash University in 2015 and began her tenure as Deputy Chancellor in 2021. Her current leadership credentials include non-executive director for global biotechnology company CSL Limited, and membership of the Global Advisory Council of Bank of America Corporation, USA.
The Council appointed Dr Clark to the position of Chancellor with unanimous support based on her demonstrated commitment to the future of Monash combined with her extensive leadership experience across a variety of industries and sectors, and her contributions to Australian science and research.
Dr Clark said she was honoured to help lead Monash University through the next phase of its strategic journey.
“Having served on the Council of Monash University since 2015, I have seen first hand both the successes and the challenges the University has had to navigate, and honoured to be able to step into the role of Chancellor to help continue to guide this great institution through this next important phase,” said Dr Clark.
“I want to acknowledge Simon McKeon for his outstanding leadership. Monash has significantly grown its international standing as one of the top-ranked global universities during his tenure. As Chancellor, Simon helped navigate through the major disruption of COVID and has left a lasting legacy following the successful appointment of our new Vice-Chancellor and President.
“I am looking forward to building a partnership of significance with Professor Sharon Pickering to deliver on our ambitious Impact 2030 strategic imperatives.”
Mr McKeon was appointed Chancellor in 2016 and made the decision to step down early this year after presiding over the Council’s appointment of Professor Sharon Pickering as the 10th Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, a decision made with consideration for the University’s long-term future at heart based on Professor Pickering’s reputation of integrity, presence of energy and of working in the best interests of the institution.
Mr McKeon will continue as Chancellor of Monash University until Dr Clark commences her term on 2 July. Monash University acknowledges Mr McKeon for his steadfast leadership in the role of Chancellor for the past eight years and wishes him the very best for the future.