As he prepares to step down from the University’s top job, President and Vice-Chancellor Fred Hilmer is leaving behind an institution transformed.

In our Summer issue cover story, The Hilmer Years, Professor Hilmer talks candidly to Judy Brookman about his eight-and-a-half years as VC and the changes he has led.

When he took up the post in June 2006, the University had been through a period of intense turmoil. There were tough decisions to make – including a reorganisation of financial management, reform of the University’s governing body and the closure of the Singapore campus.

Throughout all the reforms, Hilmer says he was determined to make decisions based on evidence, and to seek feedback from staff. Today, Hilmer’s record of achievement is there for all to see.

Also in our Summer Issue we talk to Eureka Prize-winner Professor Maree Teesson about the rewards of being a good mentor; we follow microbiologist Dr Federico Lauro on a voyage of a lifetime examining the health of our oceans; and we meet China’s women warriors, the cross-dressing spies, fallen princesses and maternal guerrilla fighters who have become the stuff of myth and legend.

For all the latest stories, go to the Uniken website. 

Download the Uniken app for multimedia.

Contact: Steve Offner, Editor


Phone: 02 9385 1583


Email: s.offner@unsw.edu.au

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