Ian Jacobs will leave the university in 12 months and return to the UK

“After careful reflection, I have concluded that I cannot reconcile the leadership needs of UNSW in Sydney with the level of support I want and need to provide to my mother in London at this stage in her life,” he told staff yesterday.

Professor Jacobs says he “will start to explore opportunities for the next phase in my career in a charity, NGO or public service role.” His contract was extended in 2018, to 2025.

Joining UNSW in February 2015, Professor Jacobs set ambitious objectives, notably for it to be become one of the world’s top 50 research universities.

However, the context of his ambitious $3.5bn 2025 Plan for research, teaching, community and construction (CMM March 20 2018) changed with COVID-19, which had a major impact on university revenue from international students. In September management estimated a $370m budget shortfall for 2021 (CMM September 16).

With Professor Jacob’s announcement, the leadership of Sydney’s two leading research universities are in-play. Uni Sydney’s former VC, Michael Spence, has left to return to the UK, his permanent successor is not announced.