Dear colleagues,

As we approach the end of another busy year, I would like to convey my warmest good wishes to all colleagues and members of the Macquarie University community for a happy and restorative holiday season. It has been another year of challenges, with changes in Australian government policy alongside domestic and international market shifts constraining our resources. It has also been remarkable in many ways. I applaud staff for the huge amount of time and effort that they have invested to help propel us forward.

At the heart of our work remains our collective commitment to students and their success.  This is evident in the enormous inroads made in the MQ2020 curriculum transformation program, having moved 20,000+ students to the new curriculum with more to follow in January and February. Cross-collaboration across all areas of the University has been key to the success of Program Beacon.  The new curriculum provides some unique points of difference for Macquarie, which in the competitive global education market presents us with opportunity. Our focus remains on providing transformative and seamless learning experiences relevant now and into the future.

We have also had some outstanding research accomplishments this year.  A $35 million commitment was made by the Federal Government to establish the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at the University.  This announcement recognises Macquarie as a world-leader in synthetic biology research and will have a significant impact on the future of biomanufacturing globally.  The University will also participate in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture (UQ), where our researchers will play an important role in investigating evolutionary adaptations in Australian flora to environmental stresses, such as heatwaves and drought.

Five distinguished Macquarie academics were accepted into the ARC College of Experts, six Macquarie scientists join Nobel laureates as the world’s most highly cited researchers, and $2.3 million was awarded to the University’s rising research stars.  23 Macquarie researchers were awarded $9.6 million in discovery funding, plus an additional grant under the ARC’s Discovery Indigenous scheme. These are only some of our achievements, and there are many more, that demonstrate the high-calibre of research being undertaken by our University. These are major milestones in our trajectory, and I commend the impact that Macquarie’s research is having globally.

In October we farewelled the longest serving Chancellor in Macquarie’s history, the Honourable Michael Egan AO for 11 years of outstanding service, and 13 years’ involvement with the University’s Council.  We also welcomed Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, former Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, as Macquarie’s new Chancellor.  He brings a deep understanding of the role Australia can play in a rapidly changing world and has a strong interest in how Macquarie, along with all universities, has a key responsibility in securing a bright future for the nation.

Macquarie was awarded SAGE Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation in recognition of action we have taken to address gender equity in STEMM disciplines. The accreditation process was highly collaborative, involving colleagues across the University. Initiatives are bold and innovative, where we are working together to create long-term and sustainable change. We all play an important part in developing an open, diverse and supportive workplace, and I am thankful to you for that.

Multiple building works continue across our beautiful campus to better serve our students and support the work of our staff. In May, construction on the Central Courtyard precinct redevelopment commenced.  It is the largest and most transformative project in our campus development plan and will contribute greatly to a vibrant, sustainable and world-class campus. We also look forward to the launch of our new Arts Precinct, which will feature an exciting new museum space that will house the collections of the Museum of Ancient Cultures and the Australian History Museum.

This year the University continued its commitment to service and engagement – both locally and internationally – Macquarie was recognised for its strong global partnerships, winning the Premier’s NSW Export Award in the category of International Education and Training. We are nurturing approximately 30 partnerships with our corporate neighbours in the Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID) bearing fruits for our students and graduates.  Our 180,000+ global alumni networks go from strength to strength.

At this time more than ever as we embark on another year of adapting to the changing landscape around us, our sense of community will be more important than ever.  It is our community that will anchor us as we recalibrate for the future.  It is our diversity and ability to pull together that will carry us through the challenging times ahead and set us up for continued success.

I look forward to welcoming you back on campus in 2020 for what will doubtless be another challenging year. I remain committed to working with all members of the University community as we chart a future for Macquarie that will secure our sustainability for the medium and long term.  I hope that you will take time to relax, recharge and enjoy the company of family and friends. I thank each of you for your contribution this year to our community and I wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season.

With warm good wishes

SBD