Academic chair

Creating an academic chair is a powerful way to help the University’s research and teaching prosper into the future.

What is an academic chair?

An academic chair is a position held by a senior academic who is also the head of a department. The University of Sydney also hosts personal chairs, which are awarded specifically to an individual. All are professors who are qualified experts in their fields.

By creating a chair, you would not only help the holder of the position to conduct advanced research, teach our students and train young academics. You also support the leadership role they take in their discipline and the impact they often make in the community as a resource for opinion formers and policy makers.

Creating a chair

The level of support required to create a chair would need to cover the full cost of the position for a minimum defined period.

Principal donors may support the naming of a chair such that the chair becomes publicly known by your name, or the name of your family member, friend or company.

Further information

For more information on establishing an academic chair please contact:


Phone: + 61 2 8627 8830