Barbara Messerle goes on September 8 and won’t be replaced (at least for now)

Vice Chancellor Michael Spence announced the provost is off, “to pursue other opportunities.”

“As an internationally recognised and leading organometallic chemist, Professor Messerle is looking forward to progressing her personal research agenda and scientific pursuits,” he adds.

Professor Messerle joined Uni Sydney a year back, moving from Macquarie U where she was dean of science and engineering.

Dr Spence says the position will not be filled, “at this point,” due to the “current hiring freeze and the university’s financial position.” Although Dr Spence may also want to leave filling the role, or not, to his successor. The vice chancellor leaves in December, prior to becoming president of UCL (the institution formerly known as University College London) in January.

Deans will now report to Dr Spence, heads of schools to FASS Dean Annamarie Jagose and the Librarian to DVC R Duncan Ivison.