Professor Brungs commenced his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of UNSW on 31 January 2022, following eight years as Vice-Chancellor and President of University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (2014 – 2021). He has extensive experience in the government and corporate sectors including senior roles with CSIRO and McKinsey & Company. He currently serves on the Universities Australia Board, Group of Eight Board, NSW Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, NSW Innovation and Productivity Council, and the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (Cth).

After graduating from UNSW with a Bachelor of Science and the University Medal in Industrial Chemistry, Professor Brungs attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and attained a Doctor of Philosophy in Inorganic Chemistry. In 2018, he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Technology and Engineering for his research into heterogeneous catalysis and for his leadership in the higher education sector.

The fundamental belief that universities exist as a public good for the benefit of all drives Professor Brungs’ passion for higher education and research. He is committed to supporting the talents and creativity of students, staff and alumni, and partnering with government, industry and other academic institutions to drive innovation and excellence for positive societal impact.

He is a dedicated innovator who believes universities have the responsibility to prepare their students for the jobs of the future and to be instrumental in creating those opportunities.

Professor Brungs is honoured to have returned to UNSW to lead the University in its mission to improve lives globally, through innovative research, transformative education and a commitment to a just society.