Dr. Michael Spence AC has led the University of Sydney as Vice-Chancellor and Principal since 2008. 

During his time as the 25th Vice-Chancellor, the University has forged a distinctive new strategy focused on the transformation of undergraduate education, promoting interdisciplinary research, and strengthening the culture around our core values. He was instrumental in leading the University’s unprecedented $1 billion INSPIRED philanthropic campaign, and promoting greater academic partnerships with industry, government and community organisations.

In 2017, he was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for service to leadership of the tertiary education sector, to the advancement of equitable access to educational opportunities, to developing programs focused on multidisciplinary research, and to the Anglican Church of Australia.