annual report

2006

Vol.

1
(of 2)
 The University of Sydney
NSW 2006
April 2007

The Honourable John Della Bosca, MLC

Minister for Education and Training
Level 33, Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
Sydney NSW 2000

Dear Minister,
The Senate of the University of Sydney has the
honour of presenting to you, in accordance with
the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984
and its subsequent amendments, the report of the
proceedings and financial statements of the University
of Sydney for the year ended 31 December 2006.

The Hon Justice Kim Santow OAM

Chancellor

Professor Gavin Brown AO

Vice-Chancellor and Principal
 Campus locations

u Location of the Faculty of Medicine’s

rural teaching facilities.

Map Legend

1 Camperdown and Darlington campuses 6 Sydney Conservatorium of Music

2 Mallett Street Campus – Faculty of Nursing 7 Cumberland Campus, Lidcombe – Faculty of
and Midwifery Health Sciences
3 Sydney College of the Arts 8 Burren St Campus – Institute of Transport and
4 The Dental School Logistic Studies
5 The Law School Railway lines
www.usyd.edu.au
the university of sydney
annual report 2006 - vol. 1

Contents - Volume 1
Charter 2
Our aspiration 2
Our values 2
Fast facts 2006 3
2006 highlights 4
Chancellor’s report 8
Vice-Chancellor’s report 10
Research and innovation 12
Learning and teaching 16
A global university 19
The student experience 23
Community engagement and outreach 26
Alumni engagement and philanthropy 31
Capability 33
Infrastructure and services 38
Financial performance 42
Organisational structure 45
Our people in 2006 46
The Senate 49
Principal officers of the University 51
Executive Deans and Deans 52
Research centres 53
Index 54
Campus map inside back cover
Please refer to Volume 2 for the 2006 financial report
and statements, plus student statistics and information
relating to human resources and legal affairs.


 Ambition inspired by
achievement
Charter
The University of Sydney was incorporated by the Parliament This leadership will be supported by best practice, excellence
of New South Wales on 1 October 1850, making it Australia’s and world-class standards in:
first university. • alumni engagement and philanthropy
“The functions … of the University include the:
a) provision of educational and research facilities at university
standard
• capability
• infrastructure and services, and
4
• financial performance.
b) promotion, advancement and transmission of knowledge
and research
While leadership should be reflected in rankings it will, more
c) commitment to the development and provision of cultural, significantly, be evident in meaningful relationships with
professional, technical and vocational services to the leading universities around the world.
community, and
d) conferring of the degrees of Bachelor, Master and Doctor
and the awarding of diplomas and other certificates.” Our values
– University of Sydney Act, 1989 (as amended) • Responsibility and service through leadership in the
community

Our aspiration • Quality and sustainability in meeting the needs of our

stakeholders
The next decade is one of challenge and opportunity, in which
we will build on our position as Australia’s premier university • Merit, equity and diversity in our student body
and leader in Australian higher education. • Integrity, professionalism and collegiality in our staff
Our aspiration is to achieve: • Lifelong relationship and friendship with our alumni
• clear leadership as Australia’s premier university in research,
teaching and learning and the student experience
• acknowledgment and ranking as one of the top five These values must inform our ambition. We will dedicate our
universities in the region, and individual talents and the available resources of the University
to uphold and advance:
• recognition and ranking in the top 40 universities around
the world. • freedom to pursue critical and open inquiry in a
responsible manner

For us, this aspiration is known as 1:5:40. • recognition of the importance of ideas and ideals

We will achieve this aspiration through leadership which • tolerance, honesty, respect and ethical behaviour, and
embraces reform in the four core areas of: • understanding of the needs of those we serve.
• research and innovation
– The University Plan 2006–2010
• learning and teaching
• student experience, and
• community engagement and outreach.


 Fast facts 2006

10 campuses 171 research centres and institutes,

including:

44,502 students
18 Cooperative Research Centres

8499 international students

4 ARC Centres of Excellence

5921 full-time staff

4 NHMRC Centres of Clinical
Research Excellence

1:16 staff/student ratio

1 international centre of excellence

17 faculties
(in sports science and management)

95 fellows of learned Australian

$185 million research income

academies

$1 billion+ total revenue

15 Federation Fellows

5.1 million library holdings

42 sporting clubs

285,000 electronic books online

250+ clubs and societies


 2006 Highlights

International achievements
Research and innovation

• The Prime Minister opened the second stage of the • The Times Higher Education Supplement ranked the
Brain and Mind Research Institute, which received a University 35th in the world, up from 38th in 2005.
total of $15 million funding from the federal and state Sydney’s arts and humanities was ranked the fifth best
governments. in the world, behind only Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard
and the University of California, Berkeley.
• A team of surgeons, led by the University of Sydney’s
Professor of Transplant Surgery, Richard Allen, achieved • In the Newsweek global 100 for 2006, the University of
a world first with a successful kidney, liver and pancreas Sydney was one of two Australian universities placed in
transplant at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. the top 50 in the world.
• The University of Sydney was third in the Business • Following the
Review Weekly (BRW) list of top contributors to research 2005 history-
and development in Australia. The University spent making graduation
$262.7 million on research and development. ceremony in
Beijing’s Great Hall
• The University’s Woolcock Institute – one of the world’s
of the People, the
leading respiratory and sleep research centres – received
University returned
a $5 million State Government grant to help build
to China for
new laboratories. The new building will include a
ceremonies in
chronobiology lab to measure breathing and brain
Shanghai and
activity during sleep.
Hong Kong.
• Sydney researchers learnt in 2006 that they had been
• The Vice-Chancellor,
awarded more than $49 million by the Australian
Professor Gavin
Research Council (ARC) for 120 research projects
Brown, took up
commencing in 2007 – the largest amount awarded to
the Presidency of
any university in Australia.
the Association of
Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), which met in Sydney
in June.

Share of Australian Research Council Grants • US Secretary of State Dr Condoleezza Rice visited the
commencing funding in 2007 University of Sydney to speak on foreign policy before
an audience of more than 300 students from different
University of Sydney universities across the state.
14.8%
Other • The University’s Faculty of Economics and Business
25.8% became the only Australian business school to be
Australian admitted into the prestigious Community of European
National University
12.7%
Management Schools group (CEMS).
• The University of Sydney became the first Australian
University of Adelaide university to join the Worldwide Universities Network
3.5%
(WUN), an international alliance of 16 leading research
University of
University of Queensland universities.
Western Australia
4.8% 12.7%

Monash University
6.4%
University of Melbourne
University of NSW 10.4%
8.9%


 2006 Highlights

sydney university to host “We are very excited to be working with the University
of Sydney,” said Mr Binks. “The centre will make a vital

d
st us Studies Centre contribution to the enhancement of the already outstanding
relationship between our two countries.”
The University of Sydney has been selected to host Australia’s The new centre, which will have its own Governing Board of
new US Studies Centre. The think tank, which will be a Directors, has been established with the specific purpose of
of leading centre for research into American political, economic
in deepening the appreciation and understanding of American
and cultural issues, will be based both at the University’s main culture, its political climate and government, and with
campus and in the heart of Sydney’s central business district. strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Professor Gavin Brown, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the
University of Sydney, said: “This is a centre for all of Australia.
The University of Sydney is honoured to host it.”
As well as a strong academic program including postgraduate
research studies at Masters and PhD level, the University
of Sydney will run an active executive education and public
outreach program which will include short courses, debates,
public lectures and forums.

y The announcement was made by Mr Malcolm Binks, chairman

of the American Australian Association (pictured above with
Vice-Chancellor, Profesor Gavin Brown and the chairman and
chief executive of News Corporation, Mr Rupert Murdoch).
Prime Minister John Howard and other business, political and
t academic leaders also attended the association’s inaugural
dinner to hear the announcement.
The University of Sydney was chosen after a rigorous
selection process run by the board of the American Australian
Among the highlights planned in the first year will be a
Association. Submissions from the University of Melbourne
national opinion survey measuring what Australians think
and the Australian National University were also considered.
about the United States, a national summit on US studies, and
All Australian universities were invited to make submissions to a classic American film festival run in cooperation with UCLA’s
host the centre. School of Theatre, Film and Television.
ch The Commonwealth Government has pledged $25 million The University’s submission was made after consultation with
in funding as an endowment for the establishment of the academic and business advisers in the United States and
new centre and the NSW government has also committed a Australia. Many of Australia’s key scholars in American studies
significant financial contribution. Additional funds have been are currently at the University of Sydney. Australian expertise
raised from business and private individuals in Australia and at the Centre will be complemented by regular international
the United States. visiting fellows.


 2006 Highlights
Our students

• Three Sydney Arts/Law students won all of the 2006

Rhodes scholarships available to students from this
Sydney student scores
state. Kate Brennan won the New South Wales Rhodes
Scholarship, while Angela Cummine and Eric Knight
leadership scholarship
won the two Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarships. Jeremy Bell, a University of Sydney philosophy student,
has won a prestigious postgraduate scholarship awarded to
• Two Sydney Law students won the Intervarsity Debating
exceptional young Australians with the potential to become
World Championship in Vancouver, Canada. The pair
leaders in their fields.
– Julia Bowles and Anna Garsia – were only the second
all-women team to win the championship in 26 years. The Monash Award winners, announced
by General Peter Cosgrove, receive up
• A robust program of merit scholarships and financial
to $150,000 each over three years
support for undergraduate students in need provided
to further their education at a leading
over $6.5 million in 2006, which is by far the most
overseas university.
comprehensive and generous scheme of any university
in New South Wales. Jeremy is currently completing a Masters
of Philosophy and will use this award
• Sydney University Sport continued to produce Australian
to study for a PhD at the University of
representatives and win major competitions. Six athletes
Chicago.
won medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and
two were in the World Championship-winning Australian He specialised in philosophy and
Women’s Water Polo team. The University Rugby Club Jewish civilisation, thought and culture
retained the Sydney premiership and the Men’s VIII in his undergraduate degree, and was
rowers won the Oxford and Cambridge Cup for the third University Medal winner. He plans to
time. become a leading philosophy scholar at
an Australian university, participating in
public debate on the major social and
ethical issues facing the nation.
Our staff

• University of Sydney graduate and Honorary Associate

in English, Kate Grenville, won the 2006 Jeremy believes contemporary public debates about such
Commonwealth Writer’s Prize and was short-listed for issues as euthanasia, gay marriage and the so-called ‘clash
the 2006 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for her novel, of civilisations’ demand not only accurate information but
The Secret River. sustained and careful reflection on the philosophical questions
they raise.
• Federation Fellowships were awarded to Professor
Benedict Kiernan and Dr Toni Shippenberg. In this Jeremy has also been an active community member, working
important federal government scheme to keep top with the Red Cross Community Visitor’s Scheme, World Vision
Australian researchers in Australia, Sydney is the most and as a visitor to children in the Villawood Detention Centre.
successful university in the country. General Cosgrove, Chairman of The General Sir John Monash
• The University won 30 Australian Research Council Foundation (GSJMF) and former head of the Australian Defence
(ARC) Fellowships, including seven new Professorial Forces, said Australia would be well served in future by Jeremy
Fellowships. and his fellow Monash Award winners.

• Six academics were made fellows of the learned The GSJMF Awards are the nation’s most prestigious
academies, bringing the total number of University of postgraduate scholarships, Australia’s equivalent to the British
Sydney fellows to over 90. Rhodes Scholarships and the American Fulbright Awards. The
awards are named after General Sir John Monash, an original
ANZAC.


 2006 Highlights
Learning and teaching

Our community
• In the influential Good Universities Guide for 2007 • The Faculty of Medicine celebrated its 150th
(published in late 2006), Sydney was again ranked very anniversary with a series of special events, symposia,
highly, scoring the maximum five stars possible in nine recitals and tours. The faculty’s graduates lead the
different categories including staff/student ratio and country in medicine and health care.
positive graduate outcomes.
• The first Muslim and first woman to head Amnesty
International, Irene Khan, was presented with the
Sydney Peace Prize at a gala dinner and delivered the
annual Sydney Peace Prize Lecture.
• More people than ever before visited
the University for personal or
professional benefit, using services
and facilities or attending lectures
and events. The number of visitors
to the University’s museums
increased by 45 per cent, and
30 per cent more people visited the
University’s website. There was also
a 39 per cent increase in the
number of presentations to students
by employers.
• The University of Sydney has led the way in Australia
with its performance-based funding of excellence in
learning and teaching. A new learning and teaching
plan, implemented in 2006, has the following five
goals:
- ensure the distinctiveness of the Sydney graduate
Our campuses

- support quality and innovative teaching • The School of Information

Technologies relocated to a
- promote internationalisation, cultural diversity and equity purpose-built home featuring
state-of-the-art labs and
- embed research-enhanced learning and teaching, and
teaching facilities. The
- enhance learning in an information rich environment. building, designed by the
architects Francis-Jones
Morehen Thorp, includes four
• Eight nominees from the University won Carrick
floors dedicated to the
Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student
teaching and research
Learning.
functions of the School. It
has innovative ‘chilled beam’
air-conditioning and a modern
glass and stainless steel
exterior.


 chancellor’s report

The late Bronwyn Oliver’s steel- That fledgling university at Grose Farm would not have been
ribbed sculpture rests gently possible without the introduction of exotics alongside our local
behind a pathway in the Botanic species, injecting hybrid vigour. I refer to the importation of
Gardens. It is of a giant palm professors from the great universities of Edinburgh, Oxford and
frond, open to the elements. To Cambridge and elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
the left, sleek and grey, stands
There was neither then nor today any sense of parochial
our Conservatorium of Music
complacency. Nowadays Sydney University embraces talent
under the multi-talented Kim
wherever it can find it, looking to our neighbourhood in the
Walker, its Victorian ramparts in
Asian-Pacific region as well as to Europe and the United
the further distance. In front is a
States.
rough hewn stone wall, of familiar
Sydney sandstone, where once Sydney’s success in winning the United States Studies Centre,
were the mud-flats of Sydney greatly assisted by its planning director, the distinguished
Harbour, subject of the sculpture’s internationalist Professor Robert O’Neill, was against
inscription. competition from every leading university in the country. That
success brings opportunity for collaboration both intra-mural
“This sculpture is intended to symbolise an elemental form
and international. Within Sydney University there is already
washed up by the tide, blown by the wind, eroded by water
fruitful interaction with our Graduate School of Government
and laden with the potential for vigour and transformation.
under Professor Geoff Gallop (former Premier of Western
It began with the form of the palm above. Before European
Australia), and the chair in International Security (funded by
settlement this foreshore was a mud-flat, site of seeds and
an extraordinarily generous alumnus Michael Hintze), Professor
flotsam, washed up by the waves. Ships arrived on the tide
Alan Dupont. The latter is a leader in the debate on geopolitical
in 1788 and crops were planted nearby soon afterwards. The
aspects of climate change.
area has been dedicated ever since to the introduction and
propagation of plants, reflecting the changing cultural and Internationally, the success of our United States Studies Centre
horticultural needs of the day.” success and other initiatives have brought Sydney University
unparalleled opportunities for its students and faculty to engage
How apt to describe Sydney University, both its beginnings
with United States universities and institutes of the highest
and in its contemporary setting. Just under 70 years from that
rank, with its leading faculty ever more keen to teach here.
landing, still in the lifetime of the oldest of those European
settlers, Sydney University found its origins. Constructed out of By these kinds of initiatives, Sydney matches the depth of its
that Sydney sandstone, the Great Hall became home to around traditional connections in the United Kingdom, exemplified
20 students, its carved Victorian gothic a monumental act of by recent partnerships such as between our Faculty of Law
faith in higher learning. Across the harbour, construction was and those of Oxford and Harvard – negotiated by Professor
proceeding on the largest civil works of the 19th century in Ron McCallum, a remarkable Dean of Law, who is shortly to
the Southern Hemisphere. I refer to the Gladesville Asylum, retire from his position as Dean. These stand with important
now site of our Rozelle College of the Arts, engaged in the European relationships, allowing our students to study abroad
fine madness of artistic creation in the visual arts, under the at postgraduate and now also at undergraduate level on
dedicated Professor Colin Rhodes. semester exchange.


These specialised centres I have described share common
soil with the Humanities, recently ranked 5th in the world,
as well as with the Faculty of Economics and Business, with
its unique combination of accreditations in both the United
States and Europe. There are also important cross-links in
public policy between the social sciences and the traditional
physical and medical sciences, particularly biotechnology. As
the Vice-Chancellor has emphasised, our capacity to continue
to dominate competition for research grants, soon to operate
under a Research Quality Framework, critically depends on our
refurbishing and expanding research infrastructure, itself a very
expensive undertaking.
Though here we look to government, State and Federal,
for assistance, we know that self help is essential. While
encouraging benefaction is critical, we win enduring support
by the quality of our teaching and research as well as by
demonstrating to the community that we are outstandingly
well managed. This requires that we maintain a productive
partnership between Senate, as this University’s governing
body, and its senior management, led by the Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Gavin Brown.
In his report, Professor Brown refers to our new Strategic
Plan with 2006 its first year of execution. The challenge for
the University is to enhance our capacity to measure our
performance objectively. This is not only by reference to metrics
where these are meaningful. It is also by ranking Sydney
University against the strongest of our competitors in key
areas, looking always to enhance our strengths and address
our weaknesses. That calls for honesty and accurate, relevant
information.
Universities are not unlike great gardens and the occasional
sculptures within them. They are above all the product of
discerning design, intense and unremitting effort and deep
insight. As I retire as Chancellor, I know that the custodians
of our great university will bring to bear those qualities with a
sense of both its antiquity and contemporary relevance.

The Hon Justice Kim Santow OAM

Chancellor

Chancellor Justice
Kim Santow at
a graduation
ceremony in China


 vice–chancellor’s report

People often ask what is meant This is more costly and more difficult to administer than a
by a ‘comprehensive research- simple model but we do not believe that rigid decisions with
intensive university’. For the long-term consequences should be forced on high school
first step towards an answer students. Intellectual discovery and personal discovery go hand
we can turn to the UK’s Times in hand so we offer many pathways.
Higher Education Supplement
‘Comprehensive’, in my lexicon, speaks also of activity outside
QS Rankings. These rankings
the classroom. I am delighted each year that I can congratulate
compare world universities across
Sydney University world champions.
each of five broad research fields
– Arts and Humanities, Social This year our team of Julia Bowles and Anna Garsia won
Sciences, Life Sciences and the World Intervarsity Debating Championships. Liz Kell and
Biomedicine, Engineering and IT, Brooke Pratley won gold in the women’s double scull at the
Natural Sciences. Let us define World Rowing Championships. Fiona Hammond and Taniele
an outstanding comprehensive Gofers were part of the Australian women’s water polo team
research university as one which that won the World Cup in China and Belinda Snell and Donna
ranks in the top 40 in all five O’Connor part of the Australian women’s basketball team that
fields. This criterion is satisfied by won the World Championship in Brazil. Renee Kirby won gold
only 16 universities in the world at the U23 World Championships. Marty Rabjohns coxed the
and the University of Sydney is World Cup winning men’s eight and Matt Ryan was part of
one of them. the crew. Ben Barzach was part of the gold medal four-man
crew which won the match racing sailing title at the World
In fact we interpret ‘comprehensive’ much more broadly
University Championships at Palma de Mallorca and Elsa
and are committed to the all-round student experience. The
O’Hanlon won gold in the lightweight single scull at the World
research ethos must permeate the classroom so that students
University Championships in Lithuania.
are able to study with those who are working at the frontiers of
knowledge. That is necessary but not sufficient because explicit I have used a tough yardstick for choosing that list – only
attention must be given to the other factors which provide winners, only in world competition. Our students have many
quality in the learning and teaching environment. more outstanding achievements – not least three Rhodes
scholarships in the last round. The haunting thought is that
Amongst these is the structure of the curriculum itself.
this could be the last exquisite song of a dying swan. The
The University of Sydney provides choice. It is possible to
government’s VSU legislation has yet to strike home. Because
undertake a clear-cut three-year undergraduate program. The
we are denied the capacity to levy an amenities fee for our
more ambitious may add an honours year which, for many
non-classroom activity, this becomes a matter of individual
individuals, is a pathway to research. Alternatively students
payment, external benefaction and university subsidy. In sports
may enter a double degree program combining Arts/Law,
alone we will lose $3 million per year and are working hard to
Science/Economics, Engineering/Liberal Studies and a host of
plan a sustainable future.
others. These flexible programs are carefully organised so that
they may be completed in five years. At the same time, over A sign of the times is that, after years of domination, we
many years, we have moved several professional programs to came third in this year’s Australian University Games. The
graduate entry, encouraging general study before specialisation. explanation is simple. The games were held in Adelaide and
Moreover we try as far as possible to allow flexibility and the point scoring system rewards all competitors. Melbourne
interchange amongst programs. and Monash were able to raise 450 athletes each, we could
send 250. This local event is now under threat from geography
and cost.

10
I refuse to designate the student experience as a non-core In last year’s report I wrote in the context of our newly adopted
activity, even if it appears nowhere in international league Strategic Plan and warned that it was the start of a perilous
tables. The Senate has wisely agreed that we must delay but exciting journey. 2006 was the first year of execution
spending on other priorities so that we do not lose what has of that plan. It is obvious from the year’s report that the
taken years to build. The problem, of course, is that these University continues on an upward trajectory with outstanding
other priorities, most especially research infrastructure, are achievements that further fuel our ambition.
fundamental to our mission.
We must remember that sustainable achievements are built
Just as our students are important so are our staff. So much on years of work so I am both cautious and impatient over
of what we can achieve is dependent on the quality of the the progress we have made in 2006. We have a long way
‘backroom’ people who make the organisation function. We to go in operationalising our plan, one that must remain
have been undergoing major changes in HR, in IT and in responsive to changes in the external environment in which we
the area responsible for providing and deploying physical pursue our objectives. I was thrilled that Michael Hintze was
infrastructure. Improving functionality is a key priority. celebrated by the Business Higher Education Round Table in
2006 as an exemplary benefactor. Michael made it possible
Our increasingly recognised research success is a magnet for
for us to institute a chair in International Security but, more
attracting and recruiting more world-class research leaders in
importantly, he tells everyone who will listen that relatively
international competition. There are many outstanding recent
small contributions can make a serious positive influence on
appointments which fill me with excitement. However this
our progress to our goals.
process will slow down unless we can keep pace by providing
well-equipped buildings where these researchers can work. At I believe that this year’s report, not simply a catalogue of
the same time student numbers have increased and we need outcomes, shows that throughout the University there is
more and better teaching space. Important new ventures like dedicated commitment to self help but we are not so proud as
the United States Studies Centre, which we won this year in to imagine that we can reach forward without the crucial help
tough national competition, add to building demand. of our friends and supporters.
The building program has been stepping up significantly over
recent years and Campus 2010 is on track. We opened the
impressive new IT building in 2006 and the new Law School,
for a tantalising period a huge hole in the ground, is scheduled
for completion at the end of 2008. These developments which
seemed to some grandiose at the conceptual stage now look
inadequate! Now we are planning a bold life sciences complex
built around part of St John’s Oval, but there are many more
developments which demand attention and for which we must
Professor Gavin Brown AO
raise money. Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Encouraging in this regard are relations with both State
and Federal governments. For example, both have given
strong support to the rapid development of the Brain and
Mind Research Institute with its mission to tackle mental
illness through basic and translational research married with
psychiatric outreach.

Vice-Chancellor
Professor Gavin Brown
in Shanghai with
Chinese students for a
graduation ceremony
in 2006 11
 Research and innovation

The University of Sydney strengthened its reputation as a Research Centre at the University of Melbourne, the
Creativity and discovery

world-class research intensive university in 2006. The Times Australian Divisions of General Practice, and the Australian
Higher Education Supplement QS Rankings places University Psychological Society.
of Sydney humanities fifth in the world – after Cambridge,
Also launched in 2006
Oxford, Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley
– our social sciences 19th, life sciences and biomedicine 20th, • The Australian Centre for Asian Art and Archaeology, which
engineering 25th and natural sciences 35th. Our success is has cooperative agreements with the Central Academy of
also reflected in our outstanding performance in the Australian Fine Arts in Beijing, the University of Tsukuba in Japan, and
Research Council’s (ARC’s) grant scheme, where we continue very significantly with APSARA in the Kingdom of Cambodia
to be the nation’s leading recipient institution. and the École Française d’Extrème Orient.
• The “e-Scholarship Initiative”, a secure digital repository for
scholarly material – conference proceedings, research centre
New initiatives and new institutes
papers and reports, rare image collections and digital theses
The University has worked with governments to establish new – generated by the University’s academics and students.
research centres and develop existing ones.
• The Bosch Institute, a joint venture between the University
• The University of Sydney was selected, ahead of fierce of Sydney and Sydney South West Area Health Service,
competition, to host the new United States Studies Centre, which brings together basic and clinical research scientists
for research into American political, economic and cultural from over 60 laboratories.
issues. The federal government pledged $25 million in
funding and the NSW Government also committed a
significant sum. Recognition for research achievements
• The Prime Minister opened the second stage of the Brain Recognition of the eminence of University researchers included
and Mind Research Institute (BMRI). The Institute received the following:
a total of $15 million in government funding ($9 million
• Six academics were elected fellows of learned academies:
from the federal government and $6 million from the New
the Academy of Science, the Academy of Social Sciences in
South Wales government) in the last year. The Institute’s
Australia, the Australian Academy of the Humanities and
Imaging Centre will also become part of a national research
the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and
facility under the National Collaborative Infrastructure
Engineering (see page 35 for the complete list).
Strategy, focusing on the development of novel drugs for the
diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and cancer. • Professor Rick Shine won the Eureka Prize for Biodiversity
Research and Associate Professor Alex Barratt won the
• The New South Wales government provided $5 million
Eureka Prize for Health and Medical Research Journalism.
towards a state-of-the-art chronobiology laboratory to
Two other University of Sydney academics – Professor Chris
measure breathing and brain activity during sleep, to be
Dickman and Emeritus Professor Miles Little – were selected
established at the Woolcock Institute, an international leader
as finalists.
in research into asthma, sleep and respiratory disorders.
• Professor Bruce Armstrong, who pioneered research into
• The Prime Minister announced $54 million for the National
the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, received the
Youth Mental Health Foundation. The money will support
inaugural Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer
the fight against mental illness, and underlying drug and
Researcher of the Year 2006.
alcohol problems among young people. In addition to the
University of Sydney the consortium includes the ORYGEN • Professor Ian Fraser from the University’s Queen Elizabeth
II Research Institute for Mothers and Infants was awarded
Innovator of the Year at the 2006 Human Capital
Leadership Awards.

Prime Minister
John Howard with
staff at the opening
of the second stage
of the Brain and
Mind Research
Institute

12
The excellence of Sydney’s early career researchers and scholars. In 2006 there were 3583 students enrolled in

Creativity and discovery

postgraduate students was also recognised. research degrees at the University of Sydney – 2900 PhD and
683 master’s (research) students. The number of research
• The inaugural Zelman Cowen Prize was awarded to doctoral
students has grown steadily since 2002.
candidate Mark Elkins. His demonstration that a simple
saline solution treatment can alleviate the symptoms of Numbers of University-funded research scholarships have more
cystic fibrosis will help patients worldwide. than doubled, from 2002 to 2006. In 2006 nearly 40 per cent
of research students received centrally-funded stipend support.
• University of Sydney staff received five of the 15 Young Tall
(This figure does not include the many students supported by
Poppy Science Awards for young researchers. Awards went
faculties and departments, or those receiving supplementary
to Dr Andrew Hopkins (Physics), Dr Alaina Ammit
scholarships.)
(Pharmacy), Dr James Curran (Information Technologies),
Dr Geraldine O’Neill (Medicine) and Dr Andrew Harris
(Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering). Dr Harris also
won the New South Wales prize in the 2006 Science and
Research performance recognised by fellowships
Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries
and grants
and Forestry. Success in peer-reviewed research fellowship and grant
schemes provides a strong indicator of the quality of our staff
• Dr Andrew Mathas was awarded the Australian
and their research.
Mathematical Society Medal for research by an Australian
mathematician under 40 for his work on the mathematical
study of symmetry.
Fellowships
• Two Sydney academics, Dr Adriana Dutkiewicz
The University won 32 new Australian Research Council
(Geosciences) and Dr Joel Mackay (Molecular and Microbial
(ARC) Fellowships, including two highly prestigious Federation
Biosciences), were awarded Australian Academy of Sciences
Fellowships and seven of the 30 new Australian Professorial
awards to early-career researchers.
Fellowships. Since the introduction of Federation Fellowships
• Dr Deanna D’Alessandro, a post-doctoral fellow in the in 2002, Sydney has been awarded 19, over 15 per cent of
School of Chemistry, won Fresh Science 2006, a national the total (second only to the Australian National University with
competition promoting the work of early-career scientists. 20). Federation Fellowships are the ARC’s flagship fellowship,
created to attract and retain researchers with the highest
• Doctoral candidate Alex Argyros, from the Optical Fibre
international standing.
Technology Centre, won the Tertiary Student Prize in the
DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Awards for The University was awarded 19 new National Health and
his work in developing a hollow-core polymer fibre for the Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Fellowships in 2006,
optical fibre industry. seven Career Development Awards, eight Training Fellowships,
three Career Fellowships and one Practitioner Fellowship.
• Dr Chris Hilliard (History) was awarded the Max Crawford
Building upon successes in 2004 and 2005, this brings the
Medal by the Australian Academy of the Humanities for
total number of Sydney NHMRC career fellows to 24, more
the best early-career researcher in Australia in any field of
than double the 2002 number.
the humanities.
The University also introduced its own fellowship schemes
to attract top-quality researchers: a Professorial Research
Excellence in research student training Fellowships Scheme; International Visiting Research
Fellowships; and International Senior Research Fellowships.
The University of Sydney is very proud of its record of training
the next generation of researchers. The University enrols the
highest number of domestic research students of any Australian
institution, while growing the numbers of international research

13
 Australian Research Council grants • Professor Steven Leeder’s team in the Australian Health
Creativity and discovery

Policy Institute is collaborating with the Australian National

The University of Sydney maintained its dominant position,
University to investigate cardiovascular disease, diabetes
having secured $49 million, exceeding the nearest Australian
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and implement
university by $12 million. The funding amounts to more
strategies for better prevention and management of these
than that received by all the other Sydney-based institutions
disorders.
combined, and also represents more than the combined
total received by the Australian Technology Network and the • Associate Professor Ian Cameron’s team in Rehabilitative
Innovative Research Universities. Medicine is working with Flinders University and the
University of Queensland to investigate the impact on older
The quality and diversity of our research is evident in the
Australians and their carers of the transition from hospital
number of our projects spanning the National Research
care to community and residential care.
Priorities:
• Dr Alan Cass’s team from the University of Sydney, the
• An Environmentally Sustainable Australia: Professor
George Institute for International Health, the Menzies Centre
Anthony Underwood, Centre for Research on Ecological
for Health Policy and six Aboriginal Medical Service sites
Impacts of Coastal Cities, awarded more than $1.1 million
in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern
for research on sustaining our coastal fauna.
Territory, is working on improving health outcomes for
• Promoting and Maintaining Good Health: Professor Aboriginal Australians.
Patrick Parkinson, Associate Professor Judy Cashmore
Getty Foundation grant
and Honorary Professor Richard Chisholm, Faculty of Law,
awarded $330,000 for a longitudinal study of the outcomes In the first such grant to an Australian publisher, the Faculty
of relocation decisions by courts and their impact on the of Arts’ Power Institute Foundation for Art and Visual Culture
children of divorced parents. was awarded a grant of USD $100,000 (AUD $130,000) by
the Getty Foundation of the J. Paul Getty Trust in Los Angeles,
• Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming
California, to produce five books in a Power Publications
Australian Industries: Professors Ben Eggleton and Martijn
series called Australian Studies in Art and Art Theory. One of
de Sterke, Centre for Ultrahigh Bandwidth Devices for
the first books in the series, Critical Essays on Aboriginal Art,
Optical Systems, awarded more than $840,000 to develop
1980–2004, will be the first major published collection of
bright white light technologies for use in Australian hospitals
critical essays on Aboriginal art. The series will also include
and industry.
the posthumous publication of A Singular Voice: Essays on
National Health and Medical Research Council grants Australian Art and Architecture by Joan Kerr, the collected
essays of this controversial and popular Australian art and
The University of Sydney clearly leads New South Wales in architecture scholar.
NHMRC funding and is a close second nationally for overall
new project and program funding during 2006–2010.
The University was awarded $48 million in funding for new Working with industry
project and program grants combined starting in 2006. This
The University is committed to turning technology and
includes four new NHMRC Program Grants – more than any
innovation originating here into successful products, for
other Australian institution – with a total value of $21 million
the benefit of the public. During 2006, significant policy
and 58 new project grants providing $27 million.
adjustments were made to strengthen the University’s
In addition to program and project funding, where Sydney commercialisation framework. The University will continue to
traditionally excels, in 2006 that success was extended to improve policy in 2007, in order to enhance innovation and
NHMRC’s strategically targeted schemes. The University commercialisation achievements.
secured three of four Health Services Research Program Grants
Commercialisation activities were streamlined into two core
($9.2 million) which fund collaborative teams conducting
business units: technology transfer (licensing of intellectual
cross-disciplinary research that informs health policy and
property), and professional services (consulting and testing).
practice.
Supporting legal and intellectual property units were also
established during the year.

14
Study reveals stress on information gathered from shelters; but Kathryn took to the
streets for her interviews.
factor in homelessness She approached people sleeping in parks, met missing
persons, and accompanied volunteers from Mission Beat and
A field study by a Sydney University postgraduate student
St Vincent de Paul. She interviewed 70 people aged between
could transform the care provided for homeless people living on
18 and 73 living on the street, or in drop-in centres and
the streets, in shelters and refuges.
hostels. “More than 98 per cent reported experiencing at least
Kathryn Taylor, who is close to completing a Doctor of Clinical one trauma in their lifetime. In 70.5 per cent of cases, PTSD
Psychology/ Master of Science degree, carried out lengthy preceded or coincided with the onset of homelessness,” she
interviews with Sydney’s homeless, looking out for cases of explained.
post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Given that PTSD affects fewer than one in 60 people in
Australia and is a treatable condition, Kathryn’s findings were
striking: two in every five of the people she interviewed were
suffering from PTSD, while more than three out of four had
suffered from PTSD at some time in their life.
“While the causal link between PTSD and homelessness would
be difficult to confirm, the data does paint a picture of people
who are traumatised, develop PTSD and are homeless,” she
explained.
PTSD is a psychiatric anxiety disorder that develops from
a traumatic event. A trauma, in the clinical sense, is when
someone experiences, witnesses or is confronted with a death,
a serious injury or a grave physical threat, and they respond to
that event with intense fear.
When people who have suffered a trauma subsequently show
three clusters of symptoms - intrusion, hyper arousal and
avoidance - they may be diagnosed with PSTD.
“They may experience intrusive memories and flashbacks of “This hard evidence recognising the high incidence of PTSD
the trauma; are easily startled and have difficulty in falling has enormous implications for service provisions for homeless
asleep; and avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic people,” said Kathryn. “There are effective treatments for the
event,” explained Kathryn. disorder but the homeless are not getting access to them,” she
explained.
The most common traumas among the homeless people she
interviewed were violence and rape, or witnessing others being An accepted part of the treatment for PTSD is exposure
attacked. therapy, where people are encouraged to talk about the
traumatic experience in a safe environment.
Census data indicates that there are around 100,000
homeless people in Australia, but, according to Kathryn, the “There needs to be a holistic approach to helping homeless
figure is probably an under-estimate. “One of the problems with people, and mental health care needs to take a larger role,”
homeless studies is having access to the population,” she said. said Kathryn. “People need a secure place to live, help with
day-to-day living, and psychiatric support.”
Her project is the first of its kind in Australia, and is unique
in its research approach. Most studies into homelessness rely – Kate Rossmanith

15
 Learning and teaching

Performance-based funding of teaching excellence Rewarding teaching excellence

Creative learning, quality teaching

The University of Sydney has led the way in Australia with Nationally, eight nominees from the University of Sydney won
its performance-based funding of excellence in learning and Carrick Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student
teaching. Learning. They were:
This leading role was recognised nationally in 2006 by the • Associate Professor Jennie Hodgson and Dr Jacqui Norris
Australian Universities Quality Agency when it awarded (Veterinary Science)
the inaugural Australian Higher Education Quality Award
• Dr Kathleen O’Loughlin, Ms Frances Everingham and Dr
to Professor Paul Ramsden, formerly Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Gary Lee (Health Sciences) and Mr Stuart Newman and Ms
(Teaching and Learning), for his development of the Course
Maureen Ahern (Nursing and Midwifery)
Evaluation Questionnaire, which is used nationally as one
input to the Learning and Teaching Performance Fund, and his • Dr Diane Collins (Sydney Conservatorium of Music)
introduction of a Teaching Dividend at the University of Sydney.
• Dr Lesley Scanlon (Education and Social Work)
Professor Ramsden has since left the University of Sydney to
take up the position of Chief Executive of the Higher Education • Dr Amani Ahmed and Dr Rosina Mladenovic (Economics
Authority in the United Kingdom. and Business) and Dr Tai Peseta (Institute for Teaching and
Learning)
In 2006 the University undertook major reviews of several
of the funding mechanisms involved in the performance- • Associate Professor Michelle Lincoln and Dr Sue McAllister
based funding of teaching. This includes reviews of the (Health Sciences)
Scholarship Index, the Teaching Improvement Fund (TIF)
• Ms Hannah Forsyth, Dr Jenny-Ann Toribio, Professor
and the Sesqui Teaching Equipment Scheme. These reviews
Richard Whittington and Ms Meg Vost (Veterinary Science)
reflected the general University focus on outcomes. Criteria for
the Scholarship Index were updated while TIF and the Sesqui • Dr Stephen Robertson (Arts)
Teaching Equipment Scheme were amalgamated to form the
Teaching Improvement and Equipment Scheme (TIES).
Performance-based funding continues to be a major incentive All of these teachers have been successful because they focus
for the spread of teaching excellence with the distribution of on the learner first, an approach which also won Dr Jennifer
$1.4 million to faculties through the Scholarship Index based Milam (Arts) and Dr Leanne Piggott (Economics and Business)
on: Quality Teaching Awards from the New South Wales Minister
for Education and Training and the Australian College of
• staff with qualifications in University teaching Educators (ACE). ACE assessors awarded not only on the basis
of excellence in curriculum content, pedagogy and assessment,
• staff with teaching awards
but also evaluated student learning through onsite visits and
• staff actively researching and publishing in the area of meshing of staff and student feedback.
University teaching, and
In 2006 the University of Sydney was awarded $6.29
• staff presenting their research on University teaching million from the Federal Government Learning and Teaching
at conferences. Performance Fund, recognising its achievement in teaching
and learning, particularly in the areas of humanities, arts and
education, business and economics and law.

16
Research-enhanced learning Integrated learning

Creative learning, quality teaching

As Australia’s leading research-intensive university, the In 2006 a review was undertaken of the University’s use of
University of Sydney is also a leader in incorporating research information and communications technologies (ICT) for learning
into student learning. In 2006 a new policy clarified the role of and teaching. The review acknowledged that e-learning was
research-enhanced learning and teaching. This policy outlines now integral and recommended that the effective use of ICT in
an intellectual community and environment where research learning and teaching was dependent on academic leadership
is integral to the content of programs of study, where inquiry- and excellent working relationships between academic
based learning is the norm and where staff and students are planning and infrastructure planning.
proactively engaged in research into university learning and
As a result of the review, nomenclature changed from
teaching.
‘e-learning’ to ‘integrated learning’ and an Integrated Learning
In line with this policy, the following University staff have Strategy was developed with academic and Information and
joined with colleagues in successful Carrick Institute for Communications Technology staff input. This strategy integrates
Learning and Teaching in Higher Education grants in 2006: planning for both virtual and physical learning spaces, and
aims to increase wireless access and to develop an academic
• Associate Professor Michelle Lincoln (Health Sciences):
workload model that recognises time investment in both face-
Benchmarking clinical learning in speech pathology to
to-face and e-learning.
support assessment, discipline standards, teaching
innovation and student learning Excellence in the area of integrated learning was recognised
when Dr Katrina Bosward, Dr Mark Krockenberger, Mr Gerard
• Associate Professor Mark Freeman (Economics and
Marcus and Mr Federico Costa from the University’s Faculty of
Business): “Business as usual” – a collaborative and
Veterinary Science won the 2006 Pearson Education UniServe
inclusive investigation of the existing resources, strengths,
Science Teaching Award for their Integrated Case-based Applied
gaps and challenges to be addressed for sustainability in
Pathology (ICAP) course in Semester Five of the Veterinary
teaching and learning in Australian university business
Science undergraduate curriculum. This annual award is
faculties
designed to recognise and reward teachers who make an
• Dr Peter McGee (Science): Creating a student-centred online outstanding contribution to student learning through innovative
learning environment for report writing in the sciences and and integrated use of information and communication
engineering technologies in university science teaching.
• Associate Professor Mark Freeman: Embedding development In June 2006 the University launched the WriteSite, an online
of intercultural competence in business education, and initiative which uses animation, colourful multiple choice
and drag-and-drop sequences to improve students’ academic
• Ms Liz Devonshire (Medicine): Project EnRoLE –
writing skills. The WriteSite is designed to reduce the time
encouraging role-based learning environments.
academics need to spend teaching writing by providing a
Student feedback through the Student Course Experience marking key linked to common academic writing problems.
Questionnaire (SCEQ) showed that across the University, Staff can use the key to direct students to clear examples
research-enhanced learning and teaching was one of the most supported by practice activities.
improved areas of the student experience. This was seen in
both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework student
feedback during 2006.

17
 Planning for and spreading good practice in Cross-faculty working groups continued in five strategic areas
Creative learning, quality teaching

learning and teaching (research-enhanced teaching and learning; evaluation and

quality assurance; information and communication technology;
A new University Learning and Teaching Plan was adopted, generic graduate attributes; and internationalisation, global
after a rigorous consultative process, by the Academic Board in citizenship and inclusiveness). A sixth group began to address
2006. The plan has five goals: issues of postgraduate coursework pedagogies in the latter part
• ensure the distinctiveness of the Sydney graduate of the year.

• support quality and innovative teaching The Institute’s three-day introduction to university teaching
accommodated over 200 academic staff in four sessions
• promote internationalisation, cultural diversity and equity held throughout the year, including international participants,
• embed research-enhanced learning and teaching, and and the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher
Education) was fully subscribed, with 35 participants.
• enhance learning in an information rich environment.

Each goal has key performance indicators and targets, Science award for
making it clear that the University expects to further improve
performance in all aspects of learning and teaching. The focus innovative teachers
on performance management aligns with government priorities Traditional theoretical methods of teaching are being replaced
and gives a strong evidence base upon which to build and in the University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science by more
enhance the quality and outcomes of student learning. practical case-based courses.
The Learning and Teaching Plan 2007–2010 is online at One of the new courses, Integrated Case-based Applied
www.usyd.edu.au/learning/planning/docs/landt_plan_2007- Pathology (ICAP), has won the 2006 Pearson Education
2010_print_version.pdf. UniServe Science Teaching Award.
One of the methods the University is using to spread good Dr Katrina Bosward, Dr Mark Krockenberger, Gerard Marcus
practice in learning and teaching is through regular, focussed and Federico Costa created the course which is delivered
staff forums. In 2006 two were held, one on best practice in in Semester Five of the Veterinary Science undergraduate
assessment and student feedback and the other on curriculum curriculum.
reform and renewal.
A key feature is its use of real veterinary cases, which aim
The programs included invited guest speakers and best to help students understand the role of pathology in the
practice examples from the University of Sydney with plenty diagnostic process. Students are encouraged to engage
of opportunity for staff to discuss and share through breakout with cases in an investigative and evidence-based way, like
groups. Papers from these forums can be found online at professional veterinary surgeons (see photo below). The course
www.usyd.edu.au/learning/quality/seminars.shtml. also incorporates e-learning, using a web-based system to
The Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) provides a deliver online learning.
major means of spreading good practice, both through its The $2000 award is a joint initiative of UniServe Science
training programs for University teachers and through its and Pearson Education Australia. It is designed to recognise
strategic working groups. In 2006 the ITL continued to and reward teachers who make an outstanding contribution
support teaching excellence in four main areas. More than to student learning through innovative and integrated use of
100,000 questionnaires were returned from students with information and communication technologies in university
their assessment of their learning experience. These were science teaching.
processed, analysed and disseminated by ITL staff as part of
the University’s continuing quality enhancement process.

Celebrating the
signing of the
Hong Kong
agreements

18
A global university

Leading research universities around the world are The alliance includes among its members 57 of the world’s

A university for the world

extending their international engagement, realising that leading multinational corporations, which support the Master
international higher education and research are a major of International Management program that blends high quality
strategic objective. The University of Sydney has embraced a business education and professional experience. Corporate
fundamental program to raise external engagement and reform members of the group include internationally recognised
internationalisation in all activities. Among the initiatives taken corporations such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers, L’Oréal,
during the past year was the declaration of the University of Deutsche Bank, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Nokia and Shell.
Sydney International Triennium 2006–2009; initiation of the
International Institute to focus and facilitate internationalisation;
and the review and strengthening of international services to The International Biennium
provide improved and sustained support to staff and students.
The University was the first to hold a presentation ceremony
for its students and their families in the Great Hall of the
People, Beijing in September 2005. The model developed
International university rankings
from that event includes academic visits and symposia,
The University of Sydney was proud to have improved its alumni and VIP events, together with government and media
position in international university rankings during 2006 (see relations. During 2006 this model was developed further with
Highlights, pages 4–7). The rankings are an imperfect science similar activities in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and
but are becoming more refined and will continue to be a Singapore. The impact of such events and the follow-up by
feature of University esteem in the future. The University is faculties in research and teaching is bringing energy to new
now ranked firmly within the top 50 global universities and will international partnerships with leading universities, industry,
strive to improve that position for the institution as a whole and government and alumni. The approach to these partnerships
for its individual faculties, several of whom are now ranked in is led by research, and includes staff and student exchange.
the top 25. The University of Sydney is also committed to increasing the
numbers of incoming and outgoing study abroad students.

International accreditation
The International Forum
In 2006, the University’s Faculty of Economics and Business
became the only Australian business school to be admitted The Forum was established as an initiative to bring the
into one of the world’s most prestigious alliances of University University of Sydney to the forefront in encouraging
business faculties, the Community of European Management international discourse and development. The first forum, on
Schools group (CEMS). China and Australia in the Asia Pacific Region, was addressed
by Madam Fu Ying, Ambassador for the People’s Republic of
Membership of CEMS means the faculty’s current and
China, and Mr Michael L’Estrange, the Head of the Australian
prospective students can be considered for the CEMS
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A further forum was
Master of International Management, a program conducted
held on the European Union and its outreach to Asia and
in conjunction with CEMS member schools and corporate
Oceania and was addressed by James Moran, Director for Asia
partners. In addition, there will be opportunities for faculty
from the European Commission. Further events are scheduled
members to engage in collaborative research and for doctoral
to focus on Latin America and on India.
students to visit member institutions through the CEMS
exchange network.
CEMS comprises 17 of the best known business schools in International university networks
Europe, including the London School of Economics, HEC
In 2006, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gavin Brown, took up
Paris and ESADE Barcelona, together with nine non-European
the Presidency of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities
academic institutions as associate members, with only one
(APRU), which met in Sydney in June. This partnership of
school per country being admitted at any one time.
37 research universities assists the University’s engagement

APRU partners
at the 2006
conference

19
 around the rim. The University is also a member of Academic International conferences and venues
A university for the world

Consortium (AC21), which met in Warwick in the United

Kingdom in July. Staff from the University played a major Staff have taken a leading role in a large number of
role in this meeting and the network, which is based in international conferences, workshops and symposia. The Vice-
Nagoya with partners around the world. Later in the year, the Chancellor was especially active with the UN–Princeton Forum
University joined the Worldwide University Network (WUN), and the Nobel Public Sector Forum. Many others participated
one of the most dynamic networks, enhancing our access and in general or discipline-specific conferences through the year,
partnerships in the mid and east United States of America and with extended participation in the activities of international
the United Kingdom in particular. agencies including WHO, OECD, UNESCO and UNDP.

Broadening the student base The Research Institute for Asia and the Pacific
The University is fortunate to have 8500 international students The Research Institute for Asia and the Pacific (RIAP)
among its student body of over 45,000. More than 120 continued its work in forging strong links with the region.
nationalities are represented among our students and our Highlights included a successful UNDP/AusAid Advanced
staff is heavily international. However, international students Leadership Program in Rural Development attended by 25
come principally from six countries, and the University has Chinese Government vice-ministers, vice-governors and
adopted a program to market and extend to less represented directors. Requests were received for further courses of this
countries. As a result, an enhanced program of offshore events, nature in 2007. The Building International Capacity in Asia
communications, and participation in leading conferences and (BICA) research project which has run since 1996 hosted
in student fairs is being implemented. The program is already several seminars to present its findings in Malaysia, Vietnam
showing results with greater interest from some of the emerging and Singapore as well as in Australia. Over the coming year,
economies. both the international leadership training and the research
programs of RIAP will be developed further and integrated with
the academic strengths of the faculties.
International visits and visitors
The University’s international dialogue and the development International Program Development Fund
of research and teaching links are assisted by the 200 plus
formal visits from presidents and staff of leading universities This fund provides small, competitive amounts of seed
throughout the year. In addition, a large number of the funding to University teams and individuals who will develop
University’s Fellows of Senate, Executive Deans and staff sustained relationships with international partners and attract
have visited universities abroad, and the results are evident in additional resources for longer term programs. In 2006 a total
research partnerships and in the attraction of new resources of $297,590 was awarded to 19 projects that are establishing
and funding. A program was initiated to brief the Australian collaborative relationships with top ranking institutions around
and foreign governments and departments on the University’s the globe.
objectives and activities and many ambassadors, consuls
general and Australian Education International (AEI) officers
around the world have helped in the past year to support our International services
goals. The International Office, Summer School, Centre for English
Among the notable visitors were US Secretary of State Dr Teaching (CET), International House and International
Condoleezza Rice and Malaysian Minister for Higher Education, Student Support Unit worked together to improve services for
Dato’ Mustapa Mohammed. The Governor General, Her international students and staff. Among the highlights were
Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, hosted the Presidents of the signing of a record 150 substantial agreements with other
the Asia Pacific Rim Universities at a reception during their universities to build research, teaching and student exchange;
conference.

US Secretary of
State Condoleezza
Rice addresses
students

20
 and a program of agent training in Sydney and in China,
Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The Centre for English
Cres Eastman: Averting a
Teaching moved to new premises in the Wentworth building,
providing a central venue for its students and offering more
human disaster in Tibet
programs to assist those who require support. There is a Two decades ago, endocrinologist Creswell Eastman travelled
rapidly expanding requirement for professional English teaching into the mountain villages of the remote Tibetan Plateau.
and coaching. Over 2000 clients attended CET courses during What he saw horrified him: more than one in ten babies was
the year. born with stunted mental and physical growth, caused by a
The Summer and Winter Schools attract students from lack of iodine in the food chain. Iodine deficiency is a problem
Australia and abroad, enabling them to accelerate their studies in many upland areas, where the trace element is leached from
or to add subjects outside their normal degree format. The the soil.
Summer School offered 164 units of study to 3390 students Professor Eastman has
and is one of the largest in Australia. Among its offerings are been returning to Tibet ever
the opportunity to study geology in New Zealand, languages since on his annual leave,
or history in Rome, and ancient civilisations in Greece. A new paying for his trips himself.
online enrolment system was implemented successfully in His ongoing project to
2006. eliminate Iodine Deficiency
Disorder (IDD) has saved an
estimated 700,000 children,
Examples of faculty-level international activity two million women of child
Dr Gordon Rogers in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and bearing age, and 170,000
Natural Resources, was awarded a Collaboration for Agriculture new-born babies from the
and Rural Development (CARD) project worth $500,000 for disease.
work that aims to reduce pesticide residues and improve yield, The Tibet project has been
quality and marketing of Cucurbit and Brassica vegetable crops described as an extraordinary
in Northern Central Vietnam. The project will be conducted in success by the World Health
conjunction with the Agricultural Science Institute for Northern Organisation, and iodine
Central Vietnam. supplements in the mountain
Professor Alex McBratney and Dr Budiman Minasny, also villages now reach 97 per
from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, cent of women and children.
have been instrumental in forming a worldwide consortium Professor Eastman believes that a sustainable chain of medical
for creating an online publicly accessible global digital soil treatment is the ultimate solution for iodine deficiency in Tibet.
properties map. The first meeting was held at the Earth It’s a strategy he introduced successfully 12 years ago in
Institute at Columbia University in December 2006. Invited Beijing, where he helped to establish the National Reference
delegates from five continents attended, including Professor Laboratory for iodine deficiency disorders.
Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Foundation at Columbia
and special adviser to the UN Secretary-General, and Dr Roy His assistance to China has earned him the trust and
Steiner from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. cooperation of the government and people there, and many
doctors he worked with have started to train others.
Dr Katy Bridge in the School of Occupation and Leisure
Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences was instrumental in Despite recently retiring as director of the Institute of Clinical
developing new disability legislation which has been introduced Pathology and Medical Research, Professor Eastman still
in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Minister for Urban Development lectures at Sydney University.
presented Dr Bridge with a plaque in appreciation of this work. – Claudia Liu

za

21
 Scientists boost milk yield for indian dairy farmers
A five-year program involving Australian scientists and
Indian dairy farmers has successfully raised the level of milk
production in parts of India.
Farmers have reported that feed supplements given to cattle
and buffaloes from oil seed by-products have increased milk
production by between 10 and 15 per cent in some areas.
Milk has become a major talking point in India thanks to new
cricket sensation Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was reported to
drink four litres a day – a figure he later corrected to just one
litre.
The project was brought to the University of Sydney in 2002 The new technology is bringing about a change by protecting
by Dr Suresh Gulati of the Faculty of Veterinary Science. the protein in the by-products and reducing the degradation in
the forestomach, allowing for larger levels of amino acids to be
The University has been involved in research and technical absorbed into the animal’s small intestines.
collaboration during the construction of two plants in the
Indian state of Gujarat which turn low cost oil seed by-products The project - which also involves India’s National Dairy
such as sunflower and canola meal into feed supplements for Development Board (NDDB) and the Australian Centre
cattle to improve their milk yield and quality. for Agricultural Research (ACIAR) - has created social and
economic benefits for rural farmers.
“These supplements have been shown to be cost effective in
providing an extra litre of milk per cow per day, giving extra At the inauguration of a by-pass protein plant at Godhra
money to the village farmer,” said Dr Gulati, speaking at a final recently – attended by 10,000 village farmers – Dr Amrita
co-ordination meeting at the University. The income is vital in Patel, chairman of the NDDB, thanked the University and
a marginal area where the proceeds from selling milk from one ACIAR for their involvement, saying: “There are not many
or two cows is often people’s only source of income. institutions one can work with abroad; who would like to work
with problems faced by farmers in a country like ours?”
Those attending included the Consul General of India, Mr
Sujan R Chinoy, Mr Rao Palagummi from the Indian trade Australian scientists have been involved with ongoing
office, Dr Mangat Garg from the National Dairy Development education and extension activities at a village level to equip
Board of India and Dr Jani from the Panchmahal district farmers with the knowledge to use the feed supplements on
cooperative milk producers’ union. local herds.

In the past 30 years India has grown into the world’s largest This scheme has succeeded in becoming more that just a
producer of milk, with over 90 million tons per year from temporary solution – a common problem facing research
more than 300 million head of cattle. But the country still collaborations – said ACIAR program manager, Dr Peter
battles with low levels of milk production per animal due to the Rolfe. “It has worked to ensure and deliver real benefits and
predominantly straw-based diet and poor nutrition. outcomes that are sustainable beyond the lifespan of the
project.

– Mandy Sacher

22
The student experience

The University of Sydney offers the richest and most Our students

Partnership for learning

comprehensive experience of student life of any university in
Australia, and is committed to providing the highest quality In 2006 the University again attracted more first preferences
student experience as a key element in successful learning for undergraduate entry than any other university in New South
outcomes. The University continued to build on existing Wales. Forty-seven per cent of school leavers with UAIs over
strengths in 2006 and to set further goals for enhancement of 98 received offers from the University of Sydney. Sydney Uni
the student experience. Live, the University’s open day, attracted 15,000 prospective
students and their parents.
Student ambassadors were once again at the centre of the
Student life University’s recruitment program. They conducted campus
The University of Sydney’s students excel not only in their tours, made school visits, spoke at major events and answered
academic life but also in their extracurricular activities. enquiries from prospective students as part of the “email a
student” program.
In 2006 three Sydney Arts/Law students won all of the Rhodes
Scholarships available to students in New South Wales. In University tours were expanded to include after-school tours
October, it was announced that Kate Brennan had won the for school students and their parents, and many prospective
2007 New South Wales Rhodes Scholarship, while Angela students took this opportunity to tour the campus and find out
Cummine and Eric Knight heard in December that they had more about admission, accommodation and entry scores. Ten
taken out the two Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarships. students also became the University’s first bloggers, writing
Ms Brennan will pursue development studies at Oxford, while weekly online diary entries about their lives as University of
Ms Cummine will study international relations and Mr Knight Sydney students. Topics ranged from the light-hearted (“The
environmental change management. The Rhodes Scholarships beauty of the post-it note”) to the more serious (“Transition
are awarded on the basis of both academic excellence and all- from school to university”) and thousands of prospective
round achievement. students visited the blog website every month.

Sydney University Sport has produced more Australian The University provided scholarship support at record levels
representatives and won more major competitions than any in 2006, with substantial entry and ongoing awards offered
other club. In 2006: across a diverse range of criteria. These included outstanding
academic achievement, all-rounder achievement across a range
• basketball player Belinda Snell and 400m relay runner of school and community activities, and sporting excellence.
Clinton Hill both won gold medals at the 2006 The University continued to expand its Access Scholarship
Commonwealth Games, while another four athletes took program for talented students experiencing ongoing financial
silver medals and/or other hardship and continued to administer the federally
• Sydney University Rugby Club retained the Tooheys New funded Commonwealth Learning Scholarships equity program.
Cup, winning the premier Sydney grade championship In total, the University provided $3.1 million in scholarship
• Sydney University’s Men’s VIII rowing team won the Oxford support to undergraduate students, including offering
and Cambridge Cup for the third year in a row, and over 350 new scholarships. Many faculties also provided
scholarship support for their students. Commonwealth Learning
• the Australian Women’s Water Polo team, featuring Sydney Scholarship support amounted to $2.1 million, with over
University Lions Fiona Hammond and Tanielle Gofers, won 300 new scholarships awarded in 2006. The University
the World Championship. also provided more than $310,000 in support to external
scholarship programs, such as Smith Family Learning for
Life and Sydney Uni Sports Scholarships, and awarded over
1000 prizes to students in recognition of their academic
achievement.

23
 In 2006 the University provided almost $1.712 million in Within Student Services, an Equity Support Services group
Partnership for learning

financial assistance to more than 1600 students, comprising was formed to provide more focus on the effective support
$721,610 in interest-free loans and $990,300 in bursaries. of students. This group brings together Disability Services,
This represents an increase of $500,000 since 2004. The Financial Assistance Office, Casual Employment Service,
increased level of assistance has been made possible by the Accommodation Service and Child Care Information. The
provision from 2005 of two new bursaries, the University Counselling Service continued to provide workshops and
of Sydney First Year Bursary for commencing students and programs focused on improving retention and success of
the University of Sydney Bursary for Continuing Students. students from diverse equity groups, including activities for
Additionally, new bursaries continue to be funded by donations rural students and mature-age entry students.
and bequests.
The University’s Careers Centre continued to expand the range
During the year, the University also responded to the challenge and diversity of careers education options for students. The
of compliance with the federal government’s Voluntary Student Centre increased the number of faculty-specific workshops by
Unionism (VSU) legislation with the development of generous 35 per cent. Student demand for individual services continued
funding and support agreements with its student organisations. at a high rate, and 24-hour CV checking and one-to-one
These agreements will assist the organisations to continue to careers counselling continued to be very popular.
make their important contribution to the student experience.
Students also benefited from an increase of over 20 per cent in
employer activity on campus, accompanied by a 12 per cent
increase in online job vacancies.
Services for students
In 2006 the Careers Centre provided individual services to
Surveys indicated high levels of student satisfaction with the
more than 725 international students (approximately 30 per
services they were provided by the University, and students
cent of all students using individual/in-house services). The
reported they would recommend these services to their peers.
Centre also conducted four careers education workshops
A major technological development in 2006 was the specifically for international students.
introduction of a new student card. This new card incorporates
a digitised photo and allows students access to the library and
other University facilities. In due course the card will become a Governance
‘smart card’, lasting the student for the life of his or her degree
In 2006, new policies and processes for identifying and
and incorporating T-card functionality for use as an electronic
supporting students at risk were finalised and piloted, and
swipe card on Sydney’s public transport system.
they will be fully implemented by all faculties in 2007. This
The student portal and email were used extensively to alert new system will provide an integrated system of identification,
students to student support and financial assistance at key counselling and support for students experiencing difficulties
times of the year. International students and students with which may lead to their exclusion from a course of study.
disabilities benefited from electronic newsletters tailored to their
The University of Sydney (Student Appeals Against Academic
needs, and the Services for Students website and publications
Decisions) Rule 2006 was approved by Senate, providing a
have been reviewed and enhanced to make all information
streamlined system for student appeals. The Academic Board
pertaining to student support services more accessible.
will be reviewing its appeals processes in early 2007 to mesh
with the new Rule.

007
Student Card 2
Harrington
ie
Elizabeth Mar 2006
F
200719831
sion
Transport Conces
DH040 Valid to: 31/3/2
008
yd.edu.au
ehar6589@us
10 609
0919941983

24
Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Support of the
Student Experience
365 days By Sarah-Jane
I can’t believe it’s all nearly over. I don’t want to pack my
The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Support of the Student things and leave. I hadn’t realised before now, how much I
Experience recognises outstanding achievement in this area. love it here.
The Vice-Chancellor awards individual members and/or
groups (including student groups) of the University community A whole year of university over. Wow. It still feels like yesterday
providing specific services, initiatives or projects that target and that I finished the HSC and was off to college all excited with
enhance the identified needs of students. The 2006 winners butterflies in my stomach about meeting so many new people.
were: I still remember O-week at college, (well parts of it anyway...).
I had so much fun. I remember being introduced to soo many
• Ms Roxanne Healy: The University of Sydney Group of the people, that I just couldn’t remember anyone’s name, even
Australian Physiotherapy Association has become a after the 50th time they had told me. It was completely hectic,
model for linking student groups into their future and the party week was over before I knew it. I was then off to
professional association, with a program that extends the my first lecture.
curriculum and provides a social/networking focus for
students on a remote campus. As chairperson of the It feels like a whirlwind. There were so many things I wanted
group, Ms Healy led the change to integrate closely with to do while I was at college in the city, yet somehow never
the professional body. This program will be of great value in found the time to do them as I usually went home to visit my
establishing the careers of graduates. family on the weekends.

• Dr Nerida Jarkey: In collaboration with colleagues Dr As I write this I’m contemplating what I should do while I’m
Jarkey developed the Arts Network Mentoring Program, still here, even though I still have a huuuge exam to study for.
which incorporates personal interaction, information But I can’t help it. Yesterday I went shopping after an exam
sessions, small-group mentoring and digital support services and blew all my money. And you know what? It feels good.
for Arts students. The Program has received high qualitative So, in the spirit of things, I’m going to continue to do the
evaluations from students and measurable positive things that I technically shouldn’t be doing during exams.
outcomes in terms of improved retention and progress rates. Tonight I have decided to go out with all my friends for the
• Ms Deborah Kirby-Parsons and Mr Curtis Flood: Ms last Wednesday college night. (For those of you not at college,
Kirby-Parsons and Mr Flood developed the Koori Centre Wednesday is the big party night.)
web presence to make visible the work of the Koori Centre On a positive note, I have made friends from all over the state,
in improving the accessibility of the University to Indigenous and overseas. So I have been invited to go to Port Macquarie,
students. The website provides a coherent, single-entry Scone, Newcastle, and even over to Singapore and Vanuatu. I
point to the virtual University for Indigenous students, have never had so many places to go in the holidays…ever.
is easy to navigate, and provides an important step for
the University in its ambition to recruit and retain So for all of you new freshers next year, I can’t wait to see you
Indigenous students. all and see your faces. I will be a sophomore (wow…still can’t
believe a year has gone?). I feel like I’m back in high school,
climbing up the ranks into another year. I promise you will
have soooo much fun, and college is an awesome experience.
I really want to go overseas especially to America or Canada
and live over there on exchange for a while. I have been
complaining about how long my degree is and that I will be
here forever (5 years), but now I think about it, I am kind of
glad. Only 4 years to go...
– Posted to the Sydney Life blog for prospective students
http://blogs.usyd.edu.au/sydneylife

25
 Community engagement
and outreach
The University’s commitment to community and civic From March 2006, many of the public lectures organised by
Service, leadership and commitment

engagement was underlined by the appointment of a Deputy the University were podcast at www.usyd.edu.au/podcasts.
Vice-Chancellor (Community), Professor Andrew Coats, in 2006. The site now holds 41 public lectures on a broad range of
Professor Coats, formerly Dean of Medicine, now oversees the subjects, and visitor numbers have increased from a monthly
areas of activity relating to community engagement, the student average of 33 visits in March to 2384 visits in December, with
experience, alumni relations and fund raising. a peak of 3237 visits in October.

Participation in public debate Educational outreach

Independent analysis showed that, on a monthly basis in One of the main avenues of educational outreach to the wider
2006, the University of Sydney regularly received more community is through the Centre for Continuing Education,
coverage across all media than any other university in the which runs a broad program of continuing and professional
state, including: development courses, study tours and university preparation
courses. Enrolments in the Centre’s language courses in
• 20 to 25 per cent of press coverage (approx 1000
2006 rose to 6000 (up by 12 per cent on 2005), and the
press articles a month)
University Preparation Courses, which enable mature-age entry
• 40 to 45 per cent of all radio coverage, and to university, attracted 1400 enrolments (an increase of 4 per
cent).
• 50 to 55 per cent of all television coverage.

Health, social and personal development programs

The News and Events website was redesigned and a
commitment made to publish and update that site on a daily The Smith Family partnership
basis. The success of this campaign was underlined by the
In December 2004, the Smith Family and the University of
increase in the number of visits, which rose from an average
Sydney committed to a five-year partnership worth $850,000.
of fewer than 2000 visits per day in February to a peak of over
The money funds the cost of support and scholarships for
3500 in November.
high school students, with the aim of encouraging students in
In 2006, a new public lecture series, Sydney Ideas, was the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, who are from
established by the division of Community Engagement. Twelve society’s poorest families, to aspire to higher education.
public lectures and three public forums were held at the
Seymour Centre, attracting more than 4200 people. While these
2006 partnership activities included:
were ticketed events, complimentary tickets were issued to
University of Sydney students and staff. Sydney Ideas lectures by
journalist Robert Fisk and scientist Tim Flannery were sold out. 1. The University experience program
The Faculty of Science, the Research Institute for Humanities Ninety Year 10 students from Alexandria Park Community
and Social Sciences (RIHSS) and the Faculty of Architecture School in Redfern, Wiley Park Girls High School, Punchbowl
all ran very successful public lecture series during 2006 Boys High School, Chester Hill High and Chifley College’s
which brought academic expertise to a wider audience. The Shalvey and Bidwill campuses came to the University for a
Sydney Science Forum lectures covered diverse topics, from an series of presentations and activities in Science and University
examination of the stem cell debate to the mathematics of sex, Museums in September. Almost 80 per cent of the students
while RIHSS ran a second program of its Key Thinkers series who attended said the day had changed their perception
and supplemented that with another series, Key Concepts, of what university was like, and 89 per cent said it had
which examined issues such as nationalism, freedom, truth, encouraged them to consider university education.
racism and globalisation.

Far left: Sydney Ideas

guest lecturers Professor
John Keane (left),
Westminster University
and Josiah Ober,
Princeton

Left: Karen de Perthuis of

the Research Institute for
Humanities and Social
Sciences (RIHSS)

26
 2. The Bella program Some 500 people helped to progress projects including

Service, leadership and commitment

Steel: Framing the Future (nearing completion), Low Energy
The Bella program, run by the Museum of Contemporary Art High Rise (start-up funding in place), 10,000 Friends of
(MCA) and supported by law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Greater Sydney™ (spun out from the Centre) and Professional
brings a group of Learning for Life students talented in art to a Performance, Innovation and Risk (initial funding commitments
four-day workshop at the MCA. Two Bella workshops were held received). Tenix, Transfield Services and Sumitomo Australia
in 2006, and on each occasion students spent half a day of all joined the Centre’s Corporate Patrons Program and ANSTO,
the program at a workshop at the University’s Sydney College Aimtek and Armacel Technology Group joined 19 others in the
of the Arts. Governors Program.

3. Converge Meeting the community’s dental health needs

Building on the Bella program, the University’s Sydney In order to meet the growing demand for dental services, the
Conservatorium of Music developed a pilot program in 2006 University’s Faculty of Dentistry increased its student intake by
with the Smith Family and the Matana Foundation for Young 40 per cent. To support the increased student numbers, and
People. The project, Converge, ran over six weeks. Students to meet its commitment to community oral health, the faculty
from James Meahan High School in Macquarie Fields and embarked in 2006 on initiatives to consolidate in one location
the Alexandria Park Community School were selected to at Westmead and to develop new simulation training facilities.
make up a mixed instrumental ensemble which worked with Funded by the federal government’s Capital Development Pool,
Conservatorium academic Peter Godbolt and other composer these new high-tech facilities will increase capacity to train top
‘team teachers’. The project culminated in a visit to the quality graduates by 140 per cent and will also be accessible
Conservatorium for a day of activities and a special concert. for postgraduate and continuing professional education.
All of these activities are now regular annual events.

Cultural life
The Glebe Community Development Project Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney College of the Arts,
The Glebe Community Development Project was established the University Museums and the Seymour Theatre Centre open
in March 2004 as a research partnership between the the University’s cultural life to the community.
University’s Faculty of Education and Social Work and the New In 2006, around 52,000 people visited the University’s
South Wales Department of Housing, Central Sydney Region, outstanding museums; a further 22,000 attended
to build community capacity in the public housing community Conservatorium performances and 174,000 went to
of Glebe. Both undergraduate and postgraduate social work performances and public lectures at the Seymour Centre.
students undertake field education placements, field visits and
workshops with the project. In an important new initiative providing much greater
accessibility to the wider public, the Nicholson and Macleay
Museums and the University Art Gallery opened to the public
Engineering a better world on the first Saturday of each month, beginning in July 2006.
This innovation drew a total of 1300 visitors.
The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering relies on
voluntary support in its work to identify advanced engineering
solutions that will benefit the nation and bring academia,
industry and government closer. Its activities are driven by a
small staff and 180 core volunteers; over 1000 people actively
engaged with the Centre during 2006.

or

of
or

27
 Nine new exhibitions were presented by University Museums Relationships with Indigenous communities
Service, leadership and commitment

during the year and these were supported by 22 public

programs, comprising lectures, talks, films and children’s On 1 June 2006 the University launched a Reconciliation
activities. More than 7500 school students in 217 groups Statement. The Vice-Chancellor spoke at the launch,
participated in the Museums Schools Education Program, an acknowledging past inequities and saying that he viewed the
increase of 19 per cent in participants. University Museums statement as a new beginning and an opportunity to focus on
also conduct heritage tours of the Camperdown Campus, and the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in
in 2006 almost 3000 people in 137 groups took part in these the University.
tours, an increase of 48 per cent on 2005. The statement, which was developed after extensive
Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) resumed Saturday opening consultation with Indigenous communities, reinforces the
for SCA Galleries and presented the work of four international University’s commitment to creating an environment in which
artists as part of the 2006 Biennale of Sydney. The SCA the rich and diverse cultures of Indigenous Australians are
Galleries also presented exhibitions as part of Sydney Design known, promoted and celebrated.
2006, and exhibited the work of contemporary visual art by Seventy-eight skeletal remains from four Indigenous
artists who have worked in Germany. communities were de-accessioned from University collections
Michael Goldberg, senior lecturer in Sculpture, Performance and repatriated back to the communities under the University’s
and Installation at the SCA, was appointed Public Art Repatriation Program. A further four remains from one
Consultant and Curator to coordinate and integrate a community have been de-accessioned and await repatriation.
$380,000 project involving artists and members of the Glebe A group of Indigenous high school students visited Sydney
community for the City of Sydney’s $12 million Glebe Point College of the Arts (SCA) as part of the Djurali Youth Art
Road Upgrade project. Careers Workshop run by the Museum of Contemporary Art,
The Seymour Centre was involved in over 800 performances aimed at Year 9–12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual
and almost 600 other events in 2006, including public arts students. After seminars by the University’s Koori Centre
lectures, forums and music. Company B’s residency at the staff and SCA art theory lecturer Christina Davidson, the
Seymour Centre continued in 2006, to public and critical students went on a tour of studio areas.
acclaim. University of Sydney architecture students were given a chance
Funding from Sydney City Council and the Centre for to help transform the troubled Block area of Redfern into
Continuing Education also supported the Seymour Centre’s an Indigenous cultural centre. Two hundred undergraduate
inaugural BITE season, which showcased the best of Sydney’s architecture students were asked to design innovative buildings
independent theatre in partnership with Parramatta’s Riverside and iconic features for the Aboriginal Housing Company’s
Theatres. BITE provided an opportunity for young writers and (AHC) Red Square urban design proposal, with an emphasis
actors to take productions which had already been successful on tradition, cultural values and spirituality. The project was
in small theatres and bring them to a larger audience in a supported by Col James, senior lecturer in the Faculty of
better-equipped venue. Architecture and a member of the AHC.

A one-day symposium on Australian arts in an international

context, entitled “Australian Arts: Where the Bloody Hell Are
You?”, was presented by the Research Institute for Humanities
and Social Sciences in collaboration with Sydney College of
the Arts, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Australian
Centre for Asian Art and Archaeology and the Department of
Performance Studies at the University of Sydney.

28
Relationships with business and industry and Public participation in university activities 2006
professional organisations
Organising Activity 2006 Percentage
The Careers Centre collaborated with faculties on an internship unit numbers increase on
pilot, which successfully generated a best practice framework 2005
for this type of activity.
University Total number of visitors 52,198 45%
The number of employers attending the major graduate Museums
recruitment Careers Fair in March continued to break records, Visitors to the Macleay 7560 71%
with booths spilling over into the anteroom of the Great Hall Museum
and into the cloisters. The surge in employer interest was
Visitors to the Nicholson 40,100 41%
reflected in another record increase of over 35 per cent in
Museum
revenue generated by employer services.
Visitors to the University Art 4538 56%
Gallery

Communications Schools Education Program 7551 19%

Overall visits to the University’s website grew steadily in 2006. Heritage tours of the 2920 48%

The launch of a blog service for academic staff was also Camperdown Campus

successful, with the number of visitors increasing fourfold in Centre for Total enrolments 23,973* 4.8%
the second half of the year. Continuing
Education
Enrolments in language 6000 12%
Website Daily visits Peak month courses
visits Enrolment in University 1400 4%
(October) Preparation courses (enabling
All 55,356 1,854,158 mature-age entry to university)

News & Events 2899 108,614 Careers Centre Total number of employers on 401 21%

Blogs 1084 67,521 campus

Employers attending March 90 25%
Careers Fair
Four issues of the University’s Sydney Alumni Magazine were Employer presentations to 63 39%
produced in 2006, up from three in 2005 and two in the students
years preceding that. The magazine, which has a print run
Community Sydney Ideas public lecture 4243 n/a – new
of 145,000, highlights the achievements and diversity of its
Engagement series program in
alumni community, records and celebrates the achievements
Division 2006
of alumni in all walks of life and supports the University in its
community engagement goals. Seymour Centre Total visitation 175,623 30%

Web Services Total number of visits to 19,596,112 30%

www.usyd.edu.au
Visits to the News and Events 1,055,374 114%
site (www.usyd.edu.au/news)
Visits to the University’s blog 383,893 n/a
site (http://blogs.usyd.edu.au/)

SYDNEY ALUMNI
Magazine
Autumn 2006

29

PORTRAIT
Germaine Greer
 Major lectures by guest speakers in 2006
Service, leadership and commitment

Lecturer Organising body Date Martin Indyk, Director of the Graduate School of 24 Aug
Saban Center for Middle East Government in conjunction
Robert Fisk, journalist and Sydney Ideas 8 Mar
Policy at the Brookings Institution with the Lowy Institute
commentator
Tanya Reinhart, journalist Sydney Ideas 10 Oct
Dr Andy Thomas and Dr Shannon Faculty of Engineering 14 Mar
Walker, NASA astronauts (Annual Dean’s lecture) Dr Sandra Eades, Sax Institute Koori Centre (Charles Perkins 25 Oct
Memorial Oration)
Dr Condoleezza Rice, US University of Sydney 17 Mar
Secretary of State Irene Khan, Secretary-General of Sydney Peace Foundation 2 Nov
Amnesty International (Sydney Peace Prize)
Kim Beazley, Leader of the Department of Government 24 Mar
Federal Opposition and International Relations Jorgen Randers, Norwegian Centre for Human Aspects 1 Dec
(Inaugural Albinski Memorial School of Management of Science and Technology
Lecture) (Templeton Lecture)

Professor Frank Furedi, UK Sydney Ideas 5 Apr

sociologist
Kim Beazley, Leader of the School of Work and 12 Apr
Federal Opposition Organisational Studies
(Kingsley Laffer Lecture)
Sydney professor to head
Lex Lasry, human rights lawyer School of Work and 29 Apr New Orleans recovery
Organisational Studies
(Albinksy Memorial Lecture) Ed Blakely, the University of
Sydney’s Professor of Urban
Justice Michael Kirby, Australian Sydney Peace Foundation 23 May
and Regional Planning, has
High Court judge (2006 Peace Foundation
been appointed to head up
Forum)
the reconstruction of New
Cindy Sheehan and Dr Salaam Centre for Peace and Conflict 24 May Orleans. Professor Blakely
Ismael, anti-Iraq war campaigners Studies will lead what is expected to
Dr Rowan Gillies, International Sydney Ideas 30 May be a five-person office that
President, Médecins Sans will coordinate all the federal
Frontières and local bodies involved
Rod Barton, former UN weapons Centre for Peace and Conflict 7 Jun
in the recovery effort. “We
inspector Studies
think he’s the best in the
world to help us through this
Professor Quentin Skinner, Vice-Chancellor’s office 20 Jul
recovery,” said Ray Nagin,
Cambridge University (Distinguished lecture series)
Mayor of New Orleans.
Professor John Keane, Centre Sydney Ideas in conjunction 25 Jul
for the Study of Democracy in with the Research Institute
For the past three years Professor Blakely has been a professor
London for Humanities and Social
of urban, regional planning and policy in the University
Sciences
of Sydney’s Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning.
Professor Blakely played a key part in the University of
Professor Jeremy Waldron, New Sydney Law School (Annual 4 Aug
Sydney’s recent successful bid to host Australia’s new US
York University Julius Stone Address)
Studies Centre.
Bjorn Lomborg, Danish academic Sydney Ideas 9 Aug
and author He said his latest role is an example of the sorts of exchanges
Professor Tim Flannery, scientist Sydney Ideas 22-Aug that will increasingly be fostered by the University of Sydney
and writer as home to the new Centre. “I hope to be an ambassador for
the University and the launching of the US Studies Centre.
There is a network of universities involved in the recovery of
Professor Tim New Orleans that are also partners in the US Studies Centre
Flannery, – for example, Harvard, UCLA and Berkeley.” Professor Blakely
Australian will continue his teaching and research commitments with the
scientist and University.
author, speaks at
Sydney Ideas
Professor Blakely helped coordinate recovery efforts in New
York City after September 11, and in California after fire and
earthquake disasters. He was also appointed by then Premier
Bob Carr to head up the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy, the
NSW Government’s 30-year plan for Sydney.

30
Alumni engagement and
philanthropy
The University of Sydney’s future success increasingly depends In the United Kingdom, alumni met for the Autumn Lecture

Lifelong relationship and friendship

upon our ability to engage our 190,000 alumni – and 46 at Magdalen College, where Jonathon Porritt CBE spoke on
alumni associations located around the world – to leverage our “Climate Change, Humankind and the Apocalypse”.
national and international reputation and create the climate of
The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Principal of University
benefaction necessary to achieve our goals.
Relations attended the 2006 Summer Reception, which was
held at the Royal College of General Practitioners. The UK
Alumni engagement Alumni Association established a young alumni group in order
In 2006, the Standing Committee of Convocation was re- to provide relevant programs and events in this key market.
branded as “The University of Sydney Alumni Council”. Significant progress was made in each country in building
More than a name change, the nomenclature recognises the alumni ambassadorial programs through alumni associations,
important new role of the council as the University’s peak and extensive surveys were undertaken to assess international
alumni body as well as its role as an advisor to the University’s engagement opportunities, which will inform the focus of
Alumni Relations Office. outreach in 2007 and beyond.
Opportunities for alumni to engage in the life of the University In Australia, the Sydney Graduate Connections Breakfast
were extended through the establishment of three new alumni Series flourished. Four events featuring key alumni attracted
chapters: Malaysia, East Coast USA and Central West New South over 120 people each, and provided an important networking
Wales. Four alumni associations, in Singapore, Hong Kong, forum. Numerous faculty and class-based reunions were held
Victoria and the USA/Canada (SUGUNA), were re-invigorated. on campus and throughout the state, including the 150th
The alumni magazine, The Gazette, was re-designed and re- anniversary celebrations of the Faculty of Medicine and the
branded at the beginning of the year as the Sydney Alumni Pharmacy Annual Ball. Over 30 University-wide events for
Magazine (SAM), with four editions produced in 2006. Bi- alumni and members of the community were coordinated
monthly alumni e-newsletters were introduced to complement by the Alumni Relations Office in 2006, including the Vice-
SAM and distributed to over 18,000 alumni in 2006. Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture with Professor Quentin
Skinner from the University of Cambridge, the Charles Perkins
International alumni engagement increased significantly. In Oration (which recognises Indigenous contributions to the
Shanghai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore more than community) with Professor Sandra Eades, and the Annual
800 alumni attended special receptions, and a range of other University Reception.
smaller alumni networking events were held. The Shanghai
event took place at the Shanghai Grand Theatre and attracted A new format for the annual Alumni Awards, which recognises
a record number of alumni, and the Malaysian reception led graduates who have provided outstanding community service,
to the formation of the Malaysia Alumni Association (SUGMA) was introduced. An Alumni Awards Presentation recognising
with younger alumni pledging strong support. Australian film director and producer Bruce Beresford (BA ’64)
attracted more than 250 guests, a 150 per cent increase over
In New York, Washington and San Francisco alumni activities 2005. Professor Jocelyn Chey (BA ’61, PhDArts ’71), Mr Col
continued to grow. Three events were hosted and/or attended James AM (DipTCPlan ’77) and Professor Kim Oates (MBBS
by the Ambassador to the United States, Dennis Richardson ’67 MD ’84 DSc ’06) were also honoured. Fiona Roughly
(BA ’69). The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Alumni (BA ’06) was awarded the 2006 Convocation Medal for her
Relations Director attended the Sydney University Graduates of contributions to University activities.
North America (SUGUNA) conference in San Francisco, and
the East Coast Alumni Chapter of SUGUNA was launched in A major online alumni survey to increase business and degree
New York. Australian activities included alumni reunions and specialisation information on the alumni database attracted
receptions in Melbourne and Dubbo. over 4000 responses. The total number of contactable alumni
with valid addresses grew to over 145,000 in 2006.
The new alumni website continues to attract significant
numbers of visitors. Over three million hits were recorded on
the site in 2006.

A Faculty of Law alumni

reunion in Tonga,
including King Taufa’ahau
Tupou IV (centre)

31
 Philanthropy Database development
Lifelong relationship and friendship

In 2006, total private gifts and non-government grants to The central alumni and donor database continued to develop
the University reached $30 million, somewhat down from in its sophistication and capability. The number of users
the previous year’s record high of $32 million. The income increased, as development and alumni relations officers in
differential is largely due to the 2005 Henderson Bequest of faculties and foundations become more familiar with it. Data
$18 million, and a slight delay in the timing of year-end direct sharing has improved, and the database is now being used
marketing campaigns in both Australia and the USA which will to facilitate annual fund segmentation and assist foundations
see results flow through early 2007. Giving through bequests and alumni associations to maintain contact with their
and estate gifts remain a major component of the total constituencies.
revenues, equalling $10.2 million dollars or 36 per cent of the
During 2006 an upgrade of the Advance system commenced.
total. Confirmed bequest intentions grew from 110 to 130,
This is a multifaceted process which will see the system web-
while realisations improved modestly from 52 to 57.
enabled in the first half of 2007. This will allow for greater
The University, through its Development Office, foundations ease of access to authorised users from anywhere in the
and faculty initiatives, supported a number of campaigns and world and will encourage increased utilisation of the system’s
special projects to raise funds for infrastructure (the Veterinary capabilities.
Science Foundation, Law School, School of Information
The “Lost Alumni” project which commenced in 2005 has
Technologies, Pharmacy and University Museums), scholarship
maintained its impetus into 2006 with a further reduction in
(Law, Graduate Studies, Pharmacy, Architecture, Economics
non-contactable alumni of 3.6 per cent.
and Business, Medicine and Sydney Conservatorium of Music),
and endowment (Science Foundation for Physics, Medical The Sydney Conservatorium of Music was involved with a
Foundation, Pharmacy, Architecture, Science, Humanities, pilot project in 2006 to develop a lost alumni website. During
Conservatorium of Music, Dentistry and Engineering). 2007 this project will be expanded to include all lost alumni
regardless of faculty. The service will be accessible from the
The University of Sydney continues to advance a more
alumni home page as well as from faculty sites.
collegiate and collaborative model of prospect and donor
engagement amongst internal stakeholders. To that end,
workshops were held with deans and other senior level staff
to increase understanding of the University’s alumni relations Chronicle daughter
and fundraising practices and to help identify current activities Walking down the aisle of the University of Sydney’s historic
and future fundraising priorities. Dovetailing with this was the Great Hall to accept her degree held particular significance
advancement of a University-wide fundraising project registry for Arts graduate Kath Bicknell (BA ’06). She was the fourth
which will underpin future fundraising activity, in line with new generation of woman graduates in her family.
fundraising procedures and rules for foundations.
Kath graduated wearing her great-
Policies, procedures and reporting continued to be developed grandmother’s 100-year old gown,
and refined with a view to ensuring that all gifts were hood and trencher. “It was incredibly
appropriately receipted, acknowledged and stewarded in moving and symbolic ...” she says.
a timely manner consistent with donors’ wishes, and that
communications with donors were maintained at the highest Kath’s great-grandmother, Catherine
standard. Vernon Farmer (BA 1908) studied at
the University a century ago, when
More than 2880 alumni and friends generously provided gowns were worn each day. The
$1075 million in support of many Annual Fund campaigns in family’s connection to the University is
2006 for projects including scholarships, fellowships, research embodied in the old Arts Faculty gown,
infrastructure, and academic and library resources. This which Kath describes as “faded, moth-
represented a 22 per cent increase in participation and a 24 eaten and very, very special.”
per cent increase in income.
Catherine’s daughter, (Kath Bicknell’s
grandmother) Diana Vernon Watson
(BA ’71), wore the gown after
attending the University as a mature
age student in her 50s. One of Diana’s
four children, Catherine Wilson (BA
’70) also wore the gown.
All four of Diana’s children attended the University of Sydney,
with Kath’s mother, Anne Bicknell, nee Watson, (MBBS)
graduating in 1978.
Kath doesn’t plan to start the fifth generation of women
graduates any time soon. But when she does, the gown will be
waiting.
- Fran Molloy
32
Capability

In order to consolidate and enhance its place in higher • A new recruitment strategy, designed to position the

Our competitive advantage

education globally, the University of Sydney must attract, University at the cutting edge of talent acquisition, has seen
reward and retain staff of outstanding quality and international the implementation of an in-house recruitment hub, the
standing. launch of new career portal and e-recruitment technologies
and a streamlined selection process which provides higher
The University refined its senior management and
levels of support and candidate care.
administrative structure. The three Colleges – the College
of Health Sciences, the College of Humanities and Social • A new web-based HR service centre delivers faster, more
Sciences, and the College of Sciences and Technology – were cost-effective, readily accessible services to staff along with
replaced by faculty groupings which are led by Executive accurate management information. A new payroll system
Deans. New positions were created of Provost, to manage the will be launched in 2007.
University’s academic enterprise, and Chief Operating Officer,
• Enhanced staff benefits and greater workplace flexibility,
to manage the University’s administrative operations. All
underpinned by a new remuneration and benefits strategy,
deans now report through the Provost. Other new positions
were delivered by the latest Enterprise Bargaining
in the senior management structure included a Deputy
Agreement and Australian Workplace Agreement
Vice-Chancellor (Community) and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor
negotiations.
(International).
• A review of all HR policies was undertaken with many
policies revised and integrated making them easier for
SydneyPeople managers and staff to use.
A strategically coordinated human resources function,
SydneyPeople, was established in 2006 to provide the
Successful initiatives undertaken by the Staff and Student
services, skills, expertise and technologies the University
Equal Employment Opportunity Unit earned the University a
needs to attract, develop and retain the best staff in academic,
Best Employer for Women citation for the fourth consecutive
management and administrative roles. This strategy is achieved
year.
through the design and implementation of contemporary HR
innovations and strategies which address University goals and
local workplace challenges, including:
• Strengthened HR and case management support to deans,
heads of schools and units and supervisors throughout the
University.
• A talent management strategy to identify, develop and
mentor the University’s most talented and highest-potential
staff. An enhanced staff development program was
developed to offer high quality leadership development and
training programs that reflect the new capabilities needed to
achieve the University’s 1:5:40 ambitions. Learning
advisors work closely with each faculty to ascertain staff
development needs.

33
 Key goals achieved by SydneyPeople in 2006 The HEWRRs established new workplace relations
Our competitive advantage

requirements to be satisfied by higher education providers in

Changes to workplace relations order to qualify for additional Commonwealth Grant Scheme
funding. By 31 August 2006, the University was required
Area Goal to offer Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) to existing
Attract, reward and retain Establish Sydney Recruitment service staff, replace existing enterprise agreements and amend
outstanding staff workplace policies. The Office assisted in the implementation
Establish internship programs for of these measures through the drafting of new AWA templates,
undergraduates enterprise agreements and supporting documents and also
reviewed workplace policies and participated in the negotiation
Streamline hiring procedures
of the new enterprise agreements.
Update systems to improve Launch first phase of self-service
efficiency and service centre The new enterprise agreements and AWAs introduced during
2006 will assist the University to attract, reward and retain
Introduce online reporting for
high calibre staff and to provide flexibility in employment
performance management
arrangements. Implementation of the new arrangements,
Assure staff quality and learning Introduce strategic learning programs including the development of supporting guidelines and
capacity to develop capabilities in line with the training, will continue in 2007.
University’s goals
Create a performance culture Provide strategic remuneration and
benefits program
Embed pay-for-performance culture
Equal employment opportunity Provide support and guidance to
managers to help resolve workplace
issues amicably
Implement initiatives to promote equal
participation of all EEO groups in
University life
OHS Provide online EEO training for all staff

The Office of General Counsel provided extensive advice

and support in relation to compliance with the Higher
Education Workplace Relations Requirements (HEWRRs)
and the Workplace Relations Amendment (Workchoices) Act
2005 (Cth), both of which have had a major impact on the
workplace relations regulatory framework within which the
University operates.

34
Staff awards in 2006

Officers of the Order of Australia (AO) University of Sydney academics appointed

Our competitive advantage

Professor Gavin Brown in 2006 as Fellows of Academies
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Ron McCallum
Academy of Science
Dean of Law Professor David Allen
Professor of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine
Professor David Celermajer
Members of the Order of Australia (AM) Scandrett Professor of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine
Professor Gregory Hancock
Dean of Engineering
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and
Associate Professor Lyndsay Connors Engineering
Associate Professor in Education and Social Work
Professor Liangchi Zhang
Associate Professor Anthony English School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering,
Honorary Associate in Veterinary Science Faculty of Engineering

Dr Matthew Hindson
Associate Dean of Technology in Music Technology and Multimedia The Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
Dr John Mack Professor Sidney Gray
Honorary Associate Professor in Mathematics and Statistics Professor of International Business, Faculty of Economics and
Business
Professor Richard Waterhouse
Bicentennial Professor of Australian History, Faculty of Arts

The Australian Academy of the Humanities

Professor Roger Benjamin
J W Power Professor of Art History and Visual Culture and
Director of the Power Institute for Art and Visual Culture
Associate Professor Iain Gardner
Chair of the Department of Studies in Religion, Faculty of Arts
Dr Alan James
Honorary research associate, Department of Classics and
Ancient History, Faculty of Arts

35
 2006 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize 2006 Human Capital Leadership Awards
Our competitive advantage

Kate Grenville, Faculty of Arts

- Innovator of the Year
Professor Ian Fraser, Queen Elizabeth II Research Institute for
Mothers and Infants
Eureka Prizes
Eureka Prize for Biodiversity Research Australian Mathematical Society Medal
Professor Rick Shine, Federation Fellow and Professor in 2006
Evolutionary Biology
Associate Professor Andrew Mathas, School of Mathematics
and Statistics (for research by an Australian mathematician
Eureka Prize for Health and Medical Research under 40)
Journalism
Professor Alex Barratt, School of Public Health Australian Academy of Sciences Awards to
Early Career Researchers
Crawford Medal
Dr Adriana Dutkiewicz, School of Geosciences
Dr Chris Hilliard, Department of History, Faculty of Arts
Dr Joel Mackay, School of Molecular and Microbial
Biosciences
Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer
Researcher of the Year 2006 2006 Science and Innovation Awards for
Professor Bruce Armstrong, School of Public Health Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (New South Wales prize)
Fresh Science 2006 Dr Andrew Harris, School of Chemical and Biomolecular
Fresh Science is a national competition promoting the work of
Engineering
early career scientists.
Dr Deanna D’Alessandro, School of Chemistry
RPA Foundation Medal
Professor Clive Harper, Faculty of Medicine
Young Tall Poppy Science Awards
Dr Andrew Hopkins, School of Physics International Union of Soil Sciences
Dr Alaina Ammit, Faculty of Pharmacy Richard Webster Medal for Pedometrics
Dr James Curran, School of Information Technologies Professor Alex McBratney, Director, Australian Centre for
Dr Geraldine O’Neill, Faculty of Medicine Precision Agriculture

Dr Andrew Harris, School of Chemical and Biomolecular

Engineering New South Wales Government Energy and
Water Green Globe Award
Mr Grahame Pepper, Campus Property Services

36
Eureka! Sydney Over a remarkable 30-year career, Professor Shine’s pioneering
research has revealed the rich diversity of Australian reptiles.
researchers win He has shared his passion with the public through stories of
cross-dressing garter snakes and nuclear families in lizard
prestigious prizes communities and the survival techniques of cane toads.His
outstanding contribution
Two University of Sydney academics won $10,000 Eureka to conservation gives us
prizes and two others were selected as finalists in this year’s the knowledge we need
prestigious awards. Professor Rick Shine won the Eureka to ensure the survival of
Prize for Biodiversity Research and Associate Professor Alex our unique cold-blooded
Barratt won the Eureka Prize for Health and Medical Research Australians.
Journalism.
His colleague Professor
Professor Barratt, from the School of Public Health, won the Chris Dickman, Professor
Eureka Prize for Health and Medical Research Journalism, for a in Ecology in the School of
three-part series broadcast on ABC Radio’s The Health Report. Biological Sciences, was also
a finalist for the same Eureka
Her series challenged long-held beliefs about the benefits of
Prize.
early cancer detection and suggested that finding cancer early
isn’t always a good thing. She reported on biological and Professor Dickman was
clinical research that is changing how we think about cancer selected for research that
by revealing that many of us have cancers we don’t need to has created a new paradigm
know about. in the understanding of
small mammal ecology and
revealed new insights into the most diverse desert reptile fauna
in the world.His research has been critical in documenting
patterns in the distribution of this fauna and in identifying the
processes that shape its diversity.
Professor Dickman has made major discoveries about the
dynamics of vertebrates in Australia’s desert regions, and
constructed models that assist managers to sustain the
diversity of vertebrates that occur there. His work has led to
protection of vast areas of the arid landscape and to a greatly
improved outlook for the continent’s beleaguered fauna.
Another Eureka Prize finalist was Emeritus Professor Miles
Little, director of the Survival Project in the Centre for Values,
Ethics and the Law in Medicine. Professor Little was a finalist
Professor Shine holds a Federation Fellowship and is a
in the Eureka Prize for Research in Ethics for his sustained
leading figure in the School of Biological Sciences. He won
research over ten years into the mixed experience of surviving
the $10,000 prize for biodiversity research for his pioneering
cancer and the ethical relationships between survivors and
research on the ecology, evolution and conservation of
those who care for them.
Australian reptiles.His extensive field studies have provided a
strong factual basis for management and conservation of these
long-neglected animals, and have helped us to understand
how populations of cold-blooded vertebrates respond to the
challenges imposed by Australian conditions.

Professor Alex Barratt, School

of Public Health, won the
Eureka Prize for Health and
Medical Research Journalism

37
 Infrastructure and
services
The Infrastructure Portfolio was fundamentally re-shaped in Since its introduction, the new model has provided greater
Our platform for success

2006 in response to the changing needs of the University coordination of services across the University, boosting
which, in turn, were driven by the advancement of new consistency and efficiency and saving on costs.
teaching and research methods and the changing needs and
numbers of students and staff.
At the heart of the new Infrastructure model is the need to
Information Communications Technology
provide enhanced support, facilities and services, allowing the Information Communications Technology (ICT) is central to the
University to embrace the latest technologies and developments development of a contemporary university. ICT seeks to provide
while achieving its strategic goals and preserving its physical best practice, excellence and world-class standards to students,
and cultural heritage. staff, alumni and the community within which it operates.
The portfolio’s goal is to provide Australia’s leading university Students have access to a wide array of on-line self-
with a world-class environment and the best available administration and re-enrolment functionality. Improvements
human resources, physical infrastructure and information have been made to the functionality of the Student
communications technology support. Administration System, with a focus on research higher degree
management and scholarships.

A new client service model

A number of new systems were successfully introduced this
A client-driven service model was introduced across the
year including:
Infrastructure Portfolio which comprises Human Resources (see
Capability chapter for full report), Information Communications • an upgraded version of Peoplesoft Financials
Technology and Campus Property & Services. All three areas
• a new student administration system for the Centre for
now strive to:
Continuing Education
• align and leverage internal knowledge and expertise more
• a new web front-end and support systems for the Sydney
effectively,
Summer School
• respond to the pressure to be more effective
• strengthened e-procurement capabilities, and
• coordinate client-facing and specialist services to
• new spam-filtering software.
eliminate competing interests and duplication, and to
improve funding management across the University.
Under the new model, client relationship managers within ICT has continued to identify ways to reduce the costs
each of the three divisions provide a clearly identifiable associated with ICT infrastructure and to increase performance.
single point of contact for staff and students. Each division This approach has included preparing the blueprint for ICT
offers a diagnostic and consultative service and can draw shared services, strengthening the reliability of the University’s
together a customised team from the range of experts now current systems, putting in place sound disaster recovery plans
located in specialist hubs to meet staff and student needs. for the University’s core systems and commencing the process
Centralised service centres deliver efficient, cost-effective and of standardising on a common email platform throughout the
consistent service for more routine or procedural requests as University.
well as offering the capability for centralised reporting and
management decision making.

38
 Key goals achieved in Information Campus Property Services

Our platform for success

Communications Technology in 2006
Campus Property Services (CPS) is responsible for the
Area Goal management, upkeep and maintenance of all of the
University’s land and property.
Student experience Providing a new system for the Centre for
Continuing Education for easier administration The University has hundreds of properties ranging from general
of courses and enrolments teaching space to laboratories, offices, student accommodation
Delivering a more user-friendly website for
and even farms. They are as diverse in function as they are in
Sydney Summer School
age, varying from brand new through to 150-year-old, heritage-
listed properties. The portfolio is one of the largest in Australia
Extending wireless network facilities in learning
with an asset value of around $2 billion and approximately
spaces
370,000m2 of usable space.
Learning and teaching Streamlining the delivery of IT solutions for
specific academic needs
Core

Initiating an upgrade to the University’s CPS has three key priorities:

principal Learning Management System
• managing and maintaining the portfolio physically and
Extending the functionality of the University’s financially for the benefit of the University, faculties,
electronic records and document management students, staff and the community
systems
• undertaking long-term planning and delivery programs to
Research and innovation Introducing systems to support researchers
provide new or upgraded buildings and infrastructure to
during the complete life-cycle of their research
meet the University’s long-term plans, and
Establishing a project to deliver a secure
framework to enable collaborative research
• providing services to the inhabitants of the buildings such
within the University and between universities
as security, cleaning and maintenance.
Capability Establishing benchmarks for best practice ICT
processes and solutions across the University
A year of change
Progressing the delivery of a new, web-based
HR system
At the beginning of 2006, it was recognised that CPS needed
to become more proactive, to gain access to a wider range of
Providing a framework to strengthen
expertise and resources, and to establish clear parameters for
performance reporting within the University
service delivery.
Support

Extending the University’s e-procurement

capability
Following a re-alignment, CPS is repositioning to provide faster,
more responsive service to staff requests. The ability to deliver
Extending the standardisation of the
better quality advice and management of the portfolio overall
University’s email platforms
ensures greater protection of the University’s assets.
Infrastructure and services Consolidating the number of different systems
used across the University
The appointment of panels of leading external specialists,
including property advisers, consulting engineers and project
Building a more reliable, speedier IT platform.
managers, delivered new skills and knowledge of current best
Implementing more effective virus and spam practice to the University. Improved client service was further
filters enhanced by the establishment of measurable service level
Financial performance Centralising all University systems and agreements.
business processes to reduce total ICT costs

39
 To provide the quality assurance and the financial and risk Key Campus Property Service achievements, 2006
Our platform for success

management processes essential to the management of such

a complex property portfolio, a series of processes and checks
were put in place. These ensure that all projects undertaken Area Goal
are properly scoped, briefed, designed and implemented to Improvement in client New front office/back office structure resulting in
reduce unnecessary and costly remedial work or maintenance satisfaction better coordination of services
at a later date. Initial key performance indicators agreed for all
service-level agreements
Other initiatives in 2006 include:
Improved speed of service delivery
• commencement of a term contracting program for
Reduced cost of service delivery
contractors servicing the campus, allowing the University
to capitalise on economies of scale and benefit from Establishment of temporary precinct managers
reduced administrative demands Quality and Project progress and risk mitigation reports produced
management for all projects over $50,000
• commencement of environmental audits for the processes
Camperdown and Darlington campuses
Increased business controls
• completion of a condition survey and introduction of a Establishment of panels of leading, external specialist
building star rating system to ensure all properties meet property advisors, project and cost managers and
the University’s standards and to form the basis of an asset consulting engineers
management program Expense management Review of systems to allow better management and
reporting on development programs
• improvements to the planning and budgeting process across
the University, and Consolidation of individual contractors across the
University resulting in significant cost/administration
• improvements to workflow and client service processes to savings
speed up time to serve and seek unit cost reductions.
Campus 2010
Investing in the future The Campus 2010 program is a major undertaking which will
integrate the University more comfortably into its surroundings.
The cost savings delivered by better management of the
It will make the most of neighbouring Victoria Park and ensure
University’s property portfolio allows investment in the future
the campus is more accessible to staff, students and the
and provides an opportunity to transform the quality of the
community, particularly during evenings and weekends.
University’s environment significantly.
The Campus 2010+ Building for the Future program unites
To that end, a strategic master planning process commenced in
a collection of five individual projects that will complement
the latter half of 2006 with an ongoing consultation process.
and transform the heart of the University’s Camperdown and
This process is being undertaken initially with key stakeholders
Darlington campuses. These projects are:
and progressively with staff. This approach recognises that the
University is not an isolated collection of buildings: rather, it • Faculty of Law building
strives to be an essential part of the local community, an open
• Sydney Central building
city within a city.
• Public domain upgrade
• School of Information Technologies building, and
• School of Geosciences consolidation.
Construction has started on each of the five projects.

40
Scheduled for completion between now and 2010, the Resource recovery
developments will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students
• Waste from C2010 buildings demolition was recovered and
and teaching staff, including computer-based teaching
recycled.
laboratories, a mock court room and new law and science and
technology libraries. • A new hazardous waste collection was implemented to
send items such as batteries away for specialist disposal
Modernisation work will provide upgraded laboratory and
and/or recycling.
research facilities to support our world-class researchers.
Access to the campus will be significantly improved, with • An e-waste recycling program diverted more than 120
a particular focus on providing accessibility for people with cubic metres of electronic waste from andfill sites. In total,
disabilities. Staff, students and members of the community will 821 CRT monitors, 639 CPUs, and 137 printers as well as
be able to enjoy new landscaped spaces, coffee shops and 856 peripherals – keyboards, mice, scanners, facsimiles
tree-lined access routes while on campus. and telephones – were collected.

Environmental performance Award for water billionaire

During 2006, energy audits were undertaken for the Grahame Pepper, the
Camperdown and Darlington Campuses. Building star-rating University’s water and energy
systems were also introduced. Other achievements included: manager, earned a NSW
Government Energy and
Reducing generation of waste
Water Green Globe Award
• Hazardous waste reduction through changes in chemical for a series of initiatives that
purchasing and handling. have saved more than 1.2
billion litres of water in the
• Leasing of office equipment including computers/printers,
past 12 years.
to reduce the dumping of unwanted goods, which are
instead returned to the supplier at the end of the lease Most of the savings have
period. been achieved through
simple initiatives such as
• Procurement of printing equipment capable of duplexing.
waterless urinals, air-cooled
Use of recycled material chillers, pressure limiters and
aqualock washers.
• Specifying the inclusion of recycled content in a new paper
tender. Mr Pepper saved enough water to supply the University for
three years. He was able to cut the amount of water used by
• The promotion of green office supplies in stationery the University’s chemistry building by a massive 60 per cent.
catalogues.
His expertise in cutting water use has seen Mr Pepper invited
• The use of copy/printing paper containing recycled content to give formal lectures on the subject. Outside the University he
by the University Publishing Service, University Library, and is involved in the Moore Reserve Wetland Scheme, where he
other faculties. helps improve stormwater management and reduce the amount
of pollution entering the Georges River.
The Energy and Water Green Globe Awards were set up to
recognise and reward leadership and commitment in the
sustainable use of energy and urban water in NSW. The
scheme is in its eighth year.
– Claudia Liu

41
 Financial performance

Building a sustainable future The Financial Shared Services model was rolled out to the
Best practice standards

Faculties of Health in 2006, with other faculties to follow in

The University’s management of its finances, capital and risk is 2007. This move will provide significant cost savings to the
critical to its success in achieving core academic and research faculties, which will be able to redirect funds to academic
goals. endeavours. Over time financial services staff will be able to
Throughout 2006, the University continued to refine structures offer a greatly improved and more strategically aligned service
and processes to deliver better returns and increased to the faculties.
investment in academic activities. These achievements were A new procurement strategy has been developed, supported by
recognised when the University was ranked first in Australia for an online tendering and evaluation tool – eVALUA. A strategic
return on revenue in Business Review Weekly’s 2006 rankings approach to procurement has achieved significant cost savings
for the education sector in Australia and New Zealand. This which will continue to emerge through 2007. Using this new
ranking reflected a 10.6 per cent increase on operating approach, the University anticipates a total cost saving of
revenue from the previous year and, for the first time, revenue $19.4 million across all categories of procurement.
exceeding $1 billion.

Building best practice reporting systems and

Bridging the gap between strategy and vision processes
The University’s Financial Services portfolio is in the process Work has begun on implementing a balanced scorecard
of repositioning itself towards value-adding activities by moving approach, which will bring together the critical elements of
from transaction processing to strategic support in financial planning, performance reporting, budgeting, costing and
management, business analysis, capital management and risk pricing management to enable clear and consistent decision
management. making.
Throughout 2006, the newly formed Office of Strategy The Department of Education, Science and Training awarded
Implementation and Sustainability Planning, led by the Pro- the University a grant of $1.6 million to undertake this work
Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Planning), Professor SI (Charlie) as part of the Workplace Productivity Program. The balanced
Benrimoj, has been implementing the University’s new scorecard will measure and benchmark the University’s
economic model. performance across environmental, social and financial
For the first time in 2006, as part of the new budgeting indicators, providing a holistic picture of performance and
process, the University incorporated financial key performance impact internally and externally.
indicators, including targets for each unit and a monitoring During 2006 a number of enhancements were made to
system to allow follow-up, so that finances are clearly linked to Hyperion, the University’s institution-wide reporting system.
the University’s strategy. The production of the monthly financial management reports
by the Management Accounting Unit continued to reflect best
practice, and the general ledger close-off was achieved within
Improving the way we manage our finances one working day after the end of the month. Ongoing data
The Shared Services model is being introduced across a integrity checks ensured that Hyperion financial reporting
number of central operational units. This will enable better was able to produce financial management reports, available
service to the University along with significant cost savings across the entire University community and fully reconciled to
which can be redirected to the core businesses of learning and the PeopleSoft General Ledger. These improvements ensured
teaching and research. the University’s managers can access timely, accurate and
meaningful data in over 2000 responsibility centres on a
daily basis. There are currently more than 800 online users of
Hyperion reports.

42
The Revenue Services team focused on helping faculties and Management – were all shifted to postgraduate level. In

Best practice standards

operating areas to improve billing and collections across the addition, the University won a further 190 Commonwealth-
University, which will significantly improve cash flow and supported places, to commence in 2007 across a range of
income receipting. undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
To build on the budgeting process, the Budget Unit put in
place new tools to link strategic objectives clearly with budget
planning. Performance targets and indicators were introduced
Improving the way we manage risk
into the three-year budget cycle, and Hyperion functionality During 2006 the audit and risk management areas were
was improved by including new three-year budget reporting amalgamated into an Audit, Risk Management and Assurance
formats and streamlined data input forms. The Planning and Unit. This unit has been focused on developing best practice
Statistic Unit began developing a forecasting model, linking processes and systems, including a risk management
load projection with fee income projections, to improve budget framework, which will greatly improve the way the University
forecasting. manages risk in an increasingly complex environment.
The Audit, Risk Management and Assurance Unit continued
to be responsible for receiving allegations of corruption,
Improved financial reporting
maladministration or serious waste of money and assessing
Financial reporting continued to be enhanced during 2006. and investigating these allegations. This has enabled staff
In addition to monthly consolidated reporting and analysis to report matters confidentially and know that they will be
of its operating results, the University is at the forefront of examined efficiently and fairly. The Corruption Prevention
the education sector in the production of monthly financial Committee continues to advise the University on corruption
reports, including balance sheet and cash flow statements. The prevention and with the assistance of the Audit, Risk
monthly reports include key financial performance indicators Management and Assurance Unit liaises with the NSW
and key prudential ratios with comparisons to both New South Independent Commission Against Corruption. The University’s
Wales and Australian universities. investigation procedures are outlined in the policy Reporting
Corruption, Maladministration or Serious and Substantial Waste
Detailed quarterly reports, including analysis of non-financial
of Public Money.
lead indicators, are produced at faculty level as well as for
the University as a whole. The University prepares half-year During the year, the Office of General Counsel developed
statutory accounts in addition to its annual financial report. standard rules for foundations which will enable them to
The results in the statutory format are also used as the basis operate more effectively, align their fundraising more directly
of a formal balance sheet attribution analysis which is formally to the strategic goals of the relevant faculties, facilitate
reviewed as part of the linkages being developed between compliance with tax and charitable fundraising laws, and bring
financial management, business analysis, capital management the operations of the foundations securely within the financial
and risk management. and legal governance of the University.
Senate approved the applicability of these standard rules
to 27 foundations during the year and further work will be
A better postgraduate offering for students undertaken in 2007 in relation to those foundations that have
One of the University’s strategic priorities has been to shift not yet adopted the standard rules.
load from undergraduate to postgraduate level. In 2006, the
The Office also developed new standard documents for
Department of Education, Science and Training approved
the Business Liaison Office (BLO) and a range of other
the move of up to 250 Commonwealth-supported places
commercial activities. These included research and consultancy
from undergraduate to postgraduate level within the Faculty
agreements; confidentiality agreements; copyright assignment;
of Health Sciences. To accommodate new graduate entry
student, researcher and visitor IP agreements; expert witness
programs, three undergraduate Health Sciences programs
and testing agreements for the BLO; and master contracts
– Rehabilitation Counselling, Orthoptics and Health Information

43
 for procurement of goods and services, request-for-tender
Best practice standards

The University of Sydney’s sources of income

documents, and templates for research cooperation and other $M
types of agreements with overseas universities. These will 400.0
facilitate the University’s commercial activities while managing 2005
legal risk. They establish contractual positions which are 350.0
2006
fair and reasonable, and include standard definitions and
University positions in relation to matters such as warranties 300.0
and indemnities, publication rights, intellectual property (IP)
ownership and commercialisation. 250.0

200.0

Managing our investments

150.0
To ensure the University’s investment management framework
was supported by the highest quality investment accounting 100.0
and systems support infrastructure, investments were moved
to an external custodian arrangement. This move reduces 50.0
operational risk by providing state-of-the-art investment
accounting support and custodial services. 0.0
Income from Research and Government Income from
In 2006, further changes were made to the way the University students consultancy operating grants private sources
income
managed its investments. We fully realised our internally
managed share pool valued at $80 million. In doing so,
significant capital gains were realised and these contributed to
an overall higher reported operating margin for the University.
The University of Sydney’s application of funds
The realised funds were re-invested into the externally $M

managed growth pool, the value of which exceeded $500

350.0
million as at 31 December 2006.
2005

The University also began to diversify the asset mix in the 300.0
2006

long-term funds component of its investment portfolio during

the year, with the inclusion of selected alternative asset classes 250.0

and strategies of our growth fund. Implementation to date

includes investment in an unlisted infrastructure fund, an 200.0

Australian equity long/short mandate, and a greater proportion

of international equity exposure held on a fully hedged basis. 150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0
Employee Employee Repairs & Teaching and Other Capital works
benefits- benefits- non- maintenance research operating
academic academic and operating expenses
depreciation costs
costs

44
 Organisational structure
As at 31 december 2006

SENATE

VICE-CHANCELLOR
AND PRINCIPAL

Academic Board Vice-Principal Registrar General Counsel

(University)

Deputy Vice- Provost and Deputy Vice- Deputy Vice- Chief Financial Deputy Vice-
Chancellor Deputy Vice- Chancellor Chancellor Officer and Chancellor
(International) Chancellor (Research) (Community) Deputy Vice- (Infrastructure)
Chancellor
• Pro-Vice- • Deans • Pro-Vice- • Registrar • Chief
Chancellor • Pro-Vice- Chancellor • Vice-Principal • Pro-Vice- Information
(International) Chancellor (Research) (University Chancellor Officer
(Learning & Relations) (Strategic
Teaching) • Director Planning)
Community • General Counsel
Engagement

45
 Our people in 2006

In 2006, the University had more than 45,000 student Percentage enrolments by level, 2006
enrolments (14,193 postgraduate and 30,846 undergraduate); Bachelor
almost 9000 of whom were international students. 66%
The staff-student ratio (SSR) was 1:16.
The University of Sydney offered 1088 undergraduate and
postgraduate degrees and diplomas across 17 faculties.

35
PG Diploma/
2006 undergraduate and postgraduate enrolments by faculty Certificate
6.4%

Faculty Undergraduate Postgraduate Total 30

Agriculture, Food & Natural Master

644 135 779 Undergraduate/
Resources (Coursework)
Advanced/Associate
16.5% 25
Architecture 654 641 1295 Master Other Diploma
(Research) Doctorate 2.7% 0.4%
Arts 5895 1121 7016 6.4%
1.5%
Australian Graduate School of
N/A 1525 1525
Management

Dentistry 318 97 415 Student load by funding category, 2006

4000
Economics & Business 3693 3469 7432
Commonwealth funded
Education & Social Work 2166 528 2694 Non-Commonwealth funded
3500
Engineering 2521 414 2935

Health Sciences 4092 1488 5580 3000

Law 898 1211 2109

2500
Medicine 1048 1405 2453 15

Nursing & Midwifery 523 173 696 2000

Pharmacy 1024 161 1185
15
Rural Management 295 55 350 1500

Science 4304 1257 5561

1000
Sydney College of the Arts 505 173 678 10

Sydney Conservatorium of Music 654 161 815 500

Veterinary Science 742 151 893
5
0
Special Programs 600 28 628
Doctorate Master Master PG Diploma/ Undergraduate/ Other
(Research) (Coursework) Certificate Advanced/
Associate
Diploma

For further details, see the financial statements in Volume 2.

46
 Undergraduate enrolments International students
In 2006, the University again attracted more first preferences As a partner in a global network of research collaboration and
for undergraduate entry than any other university in New South student exchange that spans Europe, North America and Asia,
Wales. Forty-seven per cent of school-leavers with UAIs over the University of Sydney encourages its bright young scholars
98 received offers from the University of Sydney. The overall to study overseas, as well as attracting talented students from
mean UAI for students commencing at the University in 2006 many different countries.
was 91.55.
Undergraduate enrolments, 2001–2006 Top ten source countries for international students
35000 Country Number of students
China 2960
Singapore 918
30000
Hong Kong 656
United States of America 555
25000 Korea, Republic of (South) 393
Malaysia 325
Canada 282
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Indonesia 212
India 198
United Kingdom 163
Total international students 8499
d Postgraduate enrolments
from all countries
One of the University’s strategic priorities has been to shift load
from undergraduate to postgraduate level. International enrolments by faculty area and level
Postgraduate enrolments, 2001–2006 Undergraduate Postgraduate Total
15500 Health Sciences 1195 430 1625

Humanities & Social 1964 2472 4436

Sciences
15000
Sciences & Technology 1218 738 1956

Special Programs 491 27 518

10000 Australian Graduate School N/A 152 152
of Management
Total 4868 3819 8687
5000

0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

47
 Staff statistics Research focuses on
Staff of outstanding quality and international standing are
drawn to the University of Sydney, adding prestige to the aboriginal history
University’s reputation. In 2006, the University employed a The University’s first Indigenous research fellow, Joe Gumbula,
total of 5921 staff, plus a further 503 casual employees. will start work on a historic project next year.
The University again received an Employer of Choice for Mr Gumbula is a Gupapuyngu Yolngu Elder from North East
Women award from the Australian Equal Opportunity for Arnhem Land, and is recognised as a leading authority on
Women in the Workplace Agency. Approximately 3000 Yolngu law, knowledge
organisations report to this agency; only 115 were awarded the and material culture.
right to call themselves an Employer of Choice for Women in
2006. His research, funded
by the ARC, will
involve examining
Staff profile: the earliest known
collection of
Total: 5921 photographs, audio
Women: 3170 recordings and
personal records from
Men: 2751 North East Arnhem
Land which have
been hidden away for
Percentage of academic staff by occupation, 2006 decades in boxes in
the University of Sydney Archives.
He will work to identify and contextualise the collection of
photographs and sound recordings taken by early missionaries
and anthropologists. They include records of his own
Senior lecturer Lecturer
immediate family.
23.1% 32%
As a Yolngu Elder, Mr Gumbula has decades of experience in
Yolngu law, ceremonial leadership, and traditional song, dance
and design.
Mr Gumbula has also been selected by the University Senate
Associate to receive an honorary Doctor of Music. The award recognises
Professor his work as a musician, scholar and community elder whose
11.2% work in teaching and preserving Yolngu culture has had a
lasting impact.
Associate “My people really look forward to me continuing my work
lecturer to bring back more knowledge to the community because it
Professor and above 19.9% affects how we think about ourselves as Yolngu and our place
13.7% in the world,” he said.

For detailed human resources information, see Volume 2,

page 9.

48
The Senate

The role of the Senate Chair of the Academic Board

Associate Professor Anthony Frederick Masters
The Senate of the University oversees all major decisions BSc Melb PhD ANU, FRACI CChem
concerning the conduct of the University, including staff Acting Chair from 1 January 2006 to
appointments and welfare, student welfare and discipline, 12 April 2006
financial matters and the physical and academic development
of the University. Professor Bruce Sutton
BAgrSc Qld PhD ANU
It awards all degrees and diplomas and is responsible to Fellow from 13 April 2006
the Parliament of New South Wales. Under the University of
Sydney Act 1989, the Senate comprises 22 Fellows who hold Appointed
office for differing periods in accordance with various categories Six external Fellows appointed by the Minister for Education
of membership. and Training for four years from 1 January 2006:

The Chair of the Academic Board and the Vice-Chancellor The Hon John J Aquilina
and Principal are both ex-officio members of the Senate. The BA DipEd, FACE, MP
Senate elects the Chancellor for a four-year term of office Fellow to 21 December 2004 and from 4 May 2005
and the Deputy Chancellor for a two-year term. There are ten (to 2 March 2007)
committees of Senate (see Volume 2, page 2). Alexander N Brennan
BSc(Food Technology) UNSW MBA CUL
Fellow from 1 January 2006
Fellows of the Senate
Alan Cameron AM
In 2006 the Senate comprised BA LLM
Chancellor Fellow from 20 February 2004
The Hon Justice Kim Santow OAM John A McCarthy QC
BA LLM LLM Virg BA LLB
Chancellor from 2 October 2001 Fellow from 4 August 1995
Deputy Chancellor Joseph Skrzynski AM
Emeritus Professor Ann E Sefton AO BEc
BSc(Med) MB BS PhD DSc Fellow from 1 January 2006
(a Fellow elected by and from the graduates of the University)
Deputy Chancellor from 20 February 2004 Dr Margaret Varady AO
BSc Otago MEd EdD UNSW DipEd Auck, FACE
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Fellow from 1 January 2002
Professor Gavin Brown AO
MA StAnd PhD Newcastle(UK) HonLLD One Fellow appointed by Senate for three years
StAnd HonLLD Dundee, FAA to 28 February 2007:
Fellow from 1 July 1996 Kim Anderson
DipLibInfSc UTS BA
Fellow from 1 March 2004

49
 Elected Five Fellows elected by and from the graduates of the
Four Fellows elected by and from the academic staff from 1 University for four years from 1 December 2005:
December 2005 to 31 May 2007:
Dr Michael C Copeman
Dr Roslyn Bohringer DPhil Oxf MB BS BA
BSc PhD MEdAdmin UNSW Fellow to 30 November 2001 and
Fellow from 1 December 2005 from 1 December 2005
Dr Robin B Fitzsimons
Professor Margaret A Harris
MB BS BSc(Med) PhD, FRACP
PhD Lond MA
Fellow from 1 December 1997
Fellow from 1 December 2001
Irene Kwong Moss AO
Associate Professor Anthony F Masters
LLM Harv Hon LLD UNSW BA LLB
BSc Melb PhD ANU, FRACI CChem
Fellow from 1 December 2005
Fellow from 1 December 2003
Emeritus Professor Ann E Sefton AO
Professor Iqbal Ramzan
BSc(Med) MB BS PhD DSc
DipPharm NZ MSc PhD
Fellow from 1 December 2001
Fellow from 1 December 2005
Adam B Spencer
One Fellow elected by and from the non-academic staff from 1
BA
December 2005 to 31 May 2007:
Fellow to 30 November 1995 and
Kim Wilson from 1 December 2001
MA
Fellow from 1 December 2001
One Fellow elected by and from the undergraduate students
of the University for one year from 1 December 2005 and for
one year from 1 December 2006:
Rose Jackson
Fellow from 1 December 2005
One Fellow elected by and from the postgraduate students of
the University for one year from 1 December 2005 and for
one year from 1 December 2006:
Jack K Clegg
BLibStud
Fellow to 30 November 2006
Dr Norman W Chan
BSc Toronto MB BS
Fellow from 1 December 2006

Right: Rose Jackson,

law student, SRC
president and Fellow of
Senate

Far right: Adam

Spencer, alumni,
broadcaster and Fellow
of the Senate

50
Principal officers of
the university
Chancellor Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)
The Hon Justice Kim Santow OAM Professor Carol L Armour
BA LLM BPharm PhD, MPS

Deputy Chancellor Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)

Emeritus Professor Ann Sefton AO Professor Judyth Sachs
BSc(Med) MB BS PhD DSc (to 10 December 2006)
BA PhD Qld MA WMich DipTeach Kelvin Grove CAE
Vice-Chancellor
Professor Gavin Brown AO Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Planning)
MA StAnd PhD Newcastle(UK) HonLLD StAnd HonLLD Dundee, Professor Shalom ‘Charlie’ Benrimoj
FAA BPharm PhD Bradford, MPS

Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vice-Principal, University Relations

Professor Don Nutbeam Don Wilson
BEd MA PhD S’ton, FFPHM MBA BS Bryant

Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Registrar

Borislav (Bob) J Kotic Dr William Adams
BBus NSWIT MEc Macq, FCPA BSc LLB PhD UNSW

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Chair of the Academic Board

Professor P Merlin Crossley Professor Bruce Sutton
BSc Melb DPhil Oxf BAgrSc Qld PhD ANU

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community) University Librarian

Professor Andrew J S Coats John Shipp
MB BChir Camb MA DM Oxf MBA BA Macq BA W’gong DipEd Macq DipArchiveAdmin UNSW,
LondBus DSc Lond, FRACP FRCP FESC FACC FAHA FALIA

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Infrastructure) General Counsel

Professor Ann M Brewer Nancy Dolan
BA Macq MCom PhD UNSW BA Cant LLB Well

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)

Professor John Hearn
MSc Dublin PhD ANU

51
 Executive Deans and Deans

Executive Deans Dean, Faculty of Dentistry Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy

As of December 2006 Professor Eli Schwarz KOD Professor Iqbal Ramzan
DDS Copenhagen MPH Jerusalem PhD DipPharm CIT(NZ) MSc PhD
Copenhagen, FHKAM FCDHK FACD
Executive Dean, Faculties of Arts Dean, Research and Development
Professor Stephen Garton (Health)
PhD UNSW BA, FAHA FASSA FRAHS Dean, Faculty of Economics and Professor David Burke AO
Business MD DSc UNSW MB BS, FAA FTSE
Executive Dean, Faculties of Professor Peter Wolnizer FRACP
Engineering & Architecture BEc Tas MEc PhD, FCA FCPA
Professor Gregory J Hancock AM Dean, Faculty of Science
BE BSc PhD DEng, FTSE FIEAust CPEng Dean, Faculty of Education Professor David A Day
and Social Work BSc PhD Adel DipTeach Adelaide TC
Acting Executive Dean, Professor Derrick Armstrong
Faculties of Health BA UCLond MA PhD Lanc Dean, Sydney College of the Arts
Professor B G Robinson Professor Colin Rhodes
MD MSc, FRACP Dean, Faculty of Engineering BA (Hons) Lond MA PhD Essex
Professor Gregory J Hancock AM (Commenced May 2006)
Executive Dean, Faculties of Science BE BSc PhD DEng, FTSE FIEAust CPEng
Professor David A Day Dean, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
BSc PhD Adel DipTeach Adelaide TC Director, Graduate School of Professor Kim Walker
Government ENPL Stan Premier Prix de Virtuosite
Professor Geoff Gallop Conservatoire de Geneva Premier Prix de
Deans BEc WAust MPhil Murd MA DPhil Oxf Virtuosite Curtis Institute of Music
As of December 2006
Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science
Professor Gwynnyth Llewellyn Professor Leo Jeffcott
Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and
BA MEd DipContEd UNE DipOT MA Camb BVetMed PhD Lond DVSc
Natural Resources
NSWCollOT PhD Melb VetMedDr Uppsala, FRCVS
Professor Les Copeland
BSc PhD, FRACI CChem Dean, Faculty of Law Dean of Graduate Studies
Professor Ron McCallum AO Professor Masud Behnia
Dean, Faculty of Architecture
BJur LLB Monash LLM Qu MSME PhD Purdue, FIEAust FASME
Professor Thomas Kvan MAIAA CPEng PE(USA)
MA Cantab MArch Calif PhD Open(UK) Acting Dean, Faculty of Medicine
CTLHE HK, FRICS CFM
Professor B G Robinson
MD MSc, FRACP
Dean, Faculty of Arts
Professor Stephen Garton Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery
PhD UNSW BA, FAHA FASSA FRAHS
Professor Jocalyn Lawler
CertOpThNursing BSocSc MEd UNE
PhD UNSW AssDipNursEd Armidale
CAE, RN FCN(NSW)

52
federal government-
funded research centres
Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence National Health and Medical Research Council
Centres of Clinical Research Excellence
ARC Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems
Centre for Clinical Research Excellence to Improve Outcomes in
ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computing
Chronic Liver Disease
ARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for
Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Renal Medicine
Optical Systems (CUDOS)
Clinical Centre of Research Excellence in Interdisciplinary
National Information and Communication Technology Australia
Clinical and Health Ethic Research and Training
(NICTA)
ARC Centre of Excellence in Design in Light Metals
Cooperative Research Centres
ARC Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and
Biotechnology Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for
Emerging Infectious Disease
ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science
Australian Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre
ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre
ARC Centre of Excellence in Structural and Functional Microbial
Genomics Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre
Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite
Structures
Australian Research Council Special
Research Centres Cooperative Research Centre for Asthma and Airways
Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities Cooperative Research Centre for Cochlear Implant Speech and
Hearing Research
Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation
Australian Research Council Key Centres of
Teaching and Research Cooperative Research Centre for Innovative Dairy Products
Key Centre for Polymer Colloids Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally Competitive
Pork Industry
Cooperative Research Centre for Mining
Major National Research Facilities
Cooperative Research Centre for Polymers
Australian Proteome Analysis Facility
Cooperative Research Centre for Smart Internet Technology
Gemini and Square Kilometre Array
Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Resource
Nanostructural Analysis Network Organisation (NANO)
Processing
Cooperative Research Centre for Value Added Wheat
Cooperative Research Centre for Welded Structures Ltd
Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre
Technology Enabled Capital Markets Cooperative Research
Centre

53
 Index

A E
Academic and administrative structure 5 Electronic service delivery 24, 39

Academic Board 18, 24 Employee relations 33–34

Academic Consortium 21 (AC21) 20 Employer of Choice for Women Award 33

Aims and objectives 2 Enrolments 3, 26, 29, 46–47

Alumni relations 19, 26, 29, 31–32, International 3, 20, 47

ARC research grants 4, 6, 12–14 Environment 41

Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) 4, 19, 20 Equal employment opportunity 33

Audit and risk management areas 43 Exchange programs 19, 20–21

Executive officers 33

B
Budget 40, 42–44 F
Facts at a glance 3

C Faculties 18

Campuses 7, 39–41 Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 21

Campus 2010+ Building the Future 11, 40 Faculty of Architecture 26, 28

Campus tours 23, 27, 28, 29 Faculty of Arts 6, 10, 14, 35, 36

Careers Centre 24, 29 Faculty of Dentistry 27

Chancellor’s report 8–9 Faculty of Economics and Business 4, 9, 19, 35

Charter 2 Faculty of Engineering 10, 30, 35

Community links 23, 26–30, 31 Faculty of Education and Social Work 27

Complaints, handling 43 Faculty of Health Sciences 21, 43

Conservatorium of Music 8 Faculty of Medicine 7, 31, 35, 36

Continuing Education (Centre for) 26, 28, 29, 38, 39 Faculty of Pharmacy 36

Cooperative Research Centres 3, 53 Faculty of Science 10, 26

Cultural diversity 18, 19–22 Faculty of Veterinary Science 18

Federation Fellows 6, 13

D Financial performance 42–44

Deans 52 Fundraising 32, 43

Diversity 18, 19–22

54
G L
Governance structure 45 Letter of submission inside front cover

Grants 4, 5, 6, 12–14, 32, 42 Library 3, 24, 32

H M
Heritage 38, 39 Management structure 45

Heritage tours 28, 29 Media coverage 26

Highlights 4–7 Media relations 19

Human resources 33–34, 38–39, Museums 7, 26, 27–28, 29

Equal employment opportunity 34

Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements 34 N

Staff statistics 48 National Health and Medical Research Council grants 13, 14

I O
Indigenous communities 28, 31, 48 Officers, principal 51

Indigenous education 25 Online service delivery 17, 18, 21, 34, 42

Industry and professional links 14, 19, 27, 29

Information and communications technology (ICT) 17, 38–39 P

Internationalisation Peace Prize, Sydney 7, 30

Academic initiatives 18, 19–21 Postgraduate students and courses 12, 15, 17, 18, 27, 43, 46–47

Alumni relations 31 Principal officers 51

International students 20, 47 Publications 14, 24, 29

Overseas visits 19, 20

Scholarships 23 R
Student exchange agreements 20 Research 4, 10–11, 12–14, 15

Investments 40, 44 Research centres 3, 53

Rhodes Scholarship 6, 10, 23

Risk management 38, 42, 43–44,

55
 S The address of the University is:

Scholarships 6, 13, 23, 24, 26, 32, 38, University of Sydney

NSW 2006 Australia
School of Information Technology 7, 10 Phone: +61 2 9351 2222
Senate 49–50 Website: www.usyd.edu.au

Sport 3, 6, 10, 23 Hours of opening:

Switchboard
Staff awards 4–7, 12–14, 16–18, 25, 35–36,
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Statistics

Staff 3, 48
Fisher Library (during semester)
Student 3, 46–47
Monday–Thursday: 8.30am–10pm
Structure, academic and administrative 45 Friday: 8.30am–8pm
Saturday: 9am–5pm
Student exchange agreements 19, 20–21
Sunday: 1pm–5pm
Student numbers 3, 26, 29, 46–47
Library hours outside semester vary throughout the year. (See
International 3, 20, 47 the website at www.library.usyd.edu.au for these details and for
Student services 24, 25 opening hours of other University libraries.)

Summer and Winter Schools, Sydney 20–21, 38, 39

University of Sydney Union facilities (during semester):
7.30am–7.30pm
T
Hours for specific services vary. Non-semester opening hours are
Teaching awards 16, 17, 18 reduced and vary throughout the year.

Many offices of the University are open beyond the above times.
V To check opening times, please telephone the unit or department
you wish to visit.
Values 2

Vice-Chancellor’s report 10–11

Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 25
ISSN 0313-4474

W © The University of Sydney 2007

Web-based services 17, 18, 21, 34, 42

For further copies of this Annual Report, please contact:

Volume 2 of this report contains the 2006 financial report and
Publications Office
statements plus further information on:
Room L09 , Quadrangle A14
– Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement University of Sydney NSW 2006
– Equal employment opportunity Phone: +61 2 9351 5742
– Freedom of information Fax: +61 2 9351 3289
– Honorary awards Email: [email protected]
– Legal affairs
The Annual Report is also available on the University’s website at
– Occupational health and safety
www.usyd.edu.au/about/publication/pub/annual.
– Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act
– Senate members, attendance at meetings and committees CRICOS provider 00026A

56