Distinguished chemical engineering leader to join UTS

Professor Vicki Chen, a distinguished researcher known for her strong academic leadership, will join the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) as Provost and Senior Vice-President in November 2022. 

Professor Chen is a chemical engineer and currently serves as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and IT at the University of Queensland (UQ).
 
A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, she previously held a substantive leadership role at UNSW Sydney as Head of School of Chemical Engineering.

UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt said he was impressed by Professor Chen’s academic standing, scale of leadership, and demonstrable track record of success in being able to drive a culture of high performance and impact.  

“Professor Chen has demonstrated a strong commitment to students and learning, overseeing major curriculum and program changes at UQ.
 
“We are confident UTS can achieve its vision of being a world-leading university of technology under her leadership,” said Professor Parfitt.  

As Provost, I am excited to get to know the breadth and unique facets of a global technology-focused university like UTS. 

Professor Vicki Chen
Incoming Provost and Senior Vice-President, UTS

Professor Chen describes herself as a leader who supports and empowers people to be more fearless and ambitious in their aspirations.  

“As Provost, I am excited to get to know the breadth and unique facets of a global technology-focused university like UTS, and I was particularly attracted by the tremendous trajectory that the institution has been on in the last few years.   

“The development of the precincts at UTS, UTS’s commitment to equity and diversity as well as its focus on work integrated learning puts it in a fantastic position to make a lasting difference in today's higher education sector landscape,” she said. 
 
Professor Chen's academic leadership runs in parallel with her continuing record of research accomplishment in the areas of membrane separation, gas separation, biocatalytic systems, nanomaterials, and water treatment.

“I am most proud of my research on novel nanocomposite membranes for water and gas purification,” said Professor Chen.  

“While in the teaching space, it has been the opportunity to influence thousands of engineering students in my classes as well as a cohort of great research students over the years.” 

Professor Chen’s achievements at UQ have included leading a major organisational change to address significant teaching and research trajectory issues; establishing the Liveris Academy to develop world-class thought leadership among students; strengthening UQ's reputation with domestic and international students; leading engagement with the mining and resources sector, and defence industries; as well as attracting philanthropic funding for industry research.  

Professor Chen also served for eight years as Director of the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology. 

Professor Chen has an undergraduate degree from MIT and PhD from the University of Minnesota. She has an impressive academic record, with over 14,000 citations, more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and two patents.