“She also has a keen understanding of how to make and influence policy,, and her extensive knowledge of science, research and education will be invaluable to UA’s work,” she said.For the last two years, Ms Lansdown has been Chief of Staff to Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel. Prior to that she was Universities Australia’s Policy Director, Research and Innovation, and was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive and leader of policy in 2014.

Ms Lansdown worked for 15 years as a senior executive in the Department of Industry and was one of the original architects of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) — Australia’s national network of world-class research infrastructure projects.

She has been involved in policy and planning for the Education Investment Fund, the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC), and Australia’s first National Broadband Strategy.

She also has considerable experience in the international arena, including with the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“All of that experience in such substantive roles over many years means Ms Lansdown understands the vital role that universities play in our society and economy,” Ms Jackson said.

The appointment follows Catriona Jackson’s elevation to Chief Executive announced last month.

Ms Lansdown will begin on 25 June 2018.