Professor Barber will move into an advisory role supporting Professor Duncan, who will start her term as vice-chancellor later next month, Chancellor John Watkins said today.

Professor Duncan joined UNE in 2010 after serving at La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne and the CSIRO. 

 “Professor Duncan is widely respected and has a very safe pair of hands to guide the university through this interim period,” Chancellor Watkins said.

 Professor Duncan said: "To be appointed as interim vice-chancellor is a rare privilege.  I also look forward to the recruitment process for the new vice-chancellor and I am very happy to serve the university community in this interim capacity until that occurs.”