It is my privilege to update you on major developments, achievements and priorities for The University of Western Australia. 

Like so many universities around the world, The University of Western Australia has had to prove its adaptability and flexibility under acute pressures. We have moved decisively, developing and adjusting strategies in a rapidly changing environment.  

In this process, we have been guided by the fundamental need to serve our students and the community and by ensuring that our University stands upon firm foundations. Those foundations must be strong enough to withstand all manner of future shocks.  

In 2021, we effectively responded to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and welcomed more than 25,000 students from 100 countries, with a 23 per cent growth in domestic student commencements from 2020. 

This was focused largely on the undergraduate cohort and underpinned by the launch of new courses and a change to the admission process (allowing Year 12 students’ whose studies were interrupted by COVID-19 to apply earlier using ATAR predictions based on their Year 11 results). Postgraduate growth was also significant, possibly because of the uncertain labour market disrupted by the pandemic. 

The University now has 66 approved micro-credential courses and 2021 saw a significant uptake of those courses. We endeavoured to enhance the student experience and opportunities for employment following graduation. Elective workplace-integrated learning enrolments increased by 22 per cent. The Careers and Employability Centre expanded virtual work experience and internships.  

The UniMentor program had 890 participants who volunteered more than 11,400 hours to support new students. The McCusker Centre for Citizenship placed 560 interns and 300 industry partners, providing more than 1,700 internships. The University continued to pursue the strategic goal of Indigenous higher education.  

In 2021, 286 Indigenous students enrolled at the University. The School of Indigenous Studies conducted Outreach Programs for Year 12s in regional centres and Perth, Year 8 Discovery Days and the Year 9 Djinanginy program.
 
At a global level, the University signed a Strategic Agreement with INTO University Partnerships, establishing UWA College as a new pathway institution for international students. We retained our Learning Centres in China, providing students with a physical learning experience while maintaining our international enrolments. The year saw an array of research collaboration with industry and other research and community organisations.  

UWA has an international reputation for remarkable and life-changing contributions across research, learning and teaching, operating more than 40 research-intensive centres and 22 schools. 

New endowed chairs were created in cardiovascular disease, optometry translational research, marine research and leadership and management.  

Our new UWA Defence and Security Institute is already playing a vital role in adding a Western Australian and Indian Ocean perspective to the defining and understanding of Australia’s security interests. The UWA Institute of Data launched in October brings together representatives from 12 different disciplines and offers industry training courses. 

Following on from the University’s 2020 UWA Crawley Campus Masterplan, which demonstrated the need for substantial enhancements of the Crawley/QEII Medical Centre precincts, we have begun investigating future use of the Nedlands and Park Avenue sites.  

The University also initiated a Capital Investment Plan for 2021-23 including provision for the transformation of dated facilities in Reid Library. Investment in digital infrastructure and the ongoing imperative to ensure cybersecurity is a high priority for the University has continued throughout 2021.  

Throughout last year UWA made a number of significant research appointments. UWA, Wesfarmers and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute have co-funded a new centre for heart research, led by Professor Livia Hool (School of Human Sciences) which will grow much-needed heart disease research capacity in Western Australia. Professor Hool will be joining us in London as guest speaker for our London Reception.   

An internationally renowned researcher in end-of-life care was appointed Perron Institute Research Chair in Palliative Care at UWA in January. Professor Samar Aoun joined the Perron Institute as head of Palliative Care Research in 2018 and is an international leader in promoting and advocating for a public health approach to palliative and end-of-life care. Professor Aoun has published extensively and her research has fed into policy and practice guidelines at national and international levels. 

An expert in organisational psychology has been appointed to the position of Woodside Chair in Leadership and Management at UWA. Professor Gillian Yeo (Business School) conducts research in the fields of organisational psychology and organisational behaviour. 

The Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre was formally launched with Professor Alan Jamieson appointed inaugural Director.  Professor Jamieson has already undertaken several trips as part of the Centre’s mission to explore the submerged earth fractures of the east Indian Ocean, six kilometres below the surface, known as the Hadal zone. 

UWA researchers are helping exploration and mining companies to work more efficiently and reduce their environmental impact. Our work with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization is helping the world identify neglected crop species that will help overcome global hunger and malnutrition. 

We are also inventing processes that will aid in the regeneration of bone and tissue and making discoveries about the genetic causes of diseases such as diabetes. 

This vital work is being done as we strengthen our commitment to excellence, integrity and diversity in all its forms.  


Professor Amit Chakma  
Vice-Chancellor