Society Fellow Professor Julie Cairney FRSN has been appointed interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney from 18 November 2024. Julie takes over from Professor Emma Johnston AO FRSN FAA FTSE who is assuming her new role as Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Melbourne.  

Professor Cairney has been an academic and active member of the University’s research community for two decades. A materials engineer, Julie specialises in using advanced microscopy to study the three-dimensional structure of materials at the atomic scale. Her projects cover hydrogen embrittlement in steels, corrosion, nuclear materials and biominerals. Many of these projects are carried out in collaboration with industry.

Having held leadership roles within the research portfolio at the University since 2016, Julie brings extensive experience to this appointment. Her knowledge encompasses many operational aspects of the portfolio including core facilities, government partnerships, industry engagement and commercialisation. 

Most recently she has been working across the Faculty of Engineering and research portfolio, currently serving as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Enterprise) — leading the University’s strategy and operations to support research translation.