New Pro-Vice-Chancellor to drive research excellence

Associate Professor Eric Knight has been appointed to the new role of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research – Enterprise and Engagement) to help drive research excellence and engagement across the University.

Leading the implementation of the University’s industry, government and community engagement strategy, Associate Professor Knight will support the Research Portfolio’s work in growing research income across the University, fostering world-class research performance and mentoring, and recognising the impact of our research activities with industry, government and community partners in particular.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our culture of research excellence and engagement and providing opportunities, especially for the next generation of academic talent, to tackle the challenges of our time and take advantage of our distinctive position in Asia,” he said.

Associate Professor Knight will also work closely with the Vice-Principal (External Relations), Tania Rhodes-Taylor, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education – Enterprise and Engagement), Professor Richard Miles, to secure engagement for our research and teaching activities across a range of key stakeholders.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison said he was thrilled to welcome Associate Professor Knight on board to help implement the research objectives in the 2016-20 Strategic Plan.

“We aspire to be the top research university in Australia and among the very best in the world," Professor Ivision said. "To reach this goal we are investing in our researchers like never before. We’re redesigning the way we deliver research support services and developing new ways to connect our research with industry and community partners.”

“Eric’s role will be key in helping our researchers collaborate more effectively with our industry and community partners. He will also work closely with our partners to ensure they are able to benefit from the amazing research being done at the University, as well as help support our researchers. I am delighted he is joining the team.”

Associate Professor Knight will continue his research in the University of Sydney Business School on strategy process and practice in organisations. He is currently a chief investigator on an ARC Discovery Grant on Australia's role in global financial and production networks. He will also continue to teach strategic leadership to undergraduate students, as well as design-led strategic management to MBA students.

Associate Professor Knight’s career has included a number of prestigious awards related to his research. He studied at Oxford University as an Australian Rhodes Scholar. He has subsequently held the NAB Rising Star Fellowship (2013-15) and a University of Sydney International Research Collaboration Award (2015). He has received best paper awards from the Academy of Management in North America and the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management and is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.