The role of universities in serving the public good

Lunch with Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University

Hosted by Justin Bokor

The higher education sector became a flashpoint during the federal election as both sides set out policies to reduce the nation’s intake of international students and sought to apportion blame for the housing crisis on the numbers of international students. But with the nation having experienced a decade of stagnant productivity growth, falling birth rates and widespread labour market shortages, the tertiary education sector looms as more important than ever. And in Victoria, it remains the state’s number one export despite the rhetoric on both sides of politics. Time perhaps to reset the debate?

We are delighted to welcome Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University, to discuss this far-reaching topic.

Professor Farrell will discuss the role of universities in serving the national interest. He will consider how the higher education sector can support the Australian economy and drive productivity, particularly by addressing workforce skills, supporting innovation and leveraging AI, and working in partnership with industry.

Professor Farrell commenced as Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University in February 2024. He brings a deep commitment to advancing academic excellence, building inclusive communities, forging external partnerships, and leading transformative change.

Prior to joining La Trobe, Professor Farrell held a number of leadership roles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Executive Dean of Law, Humanities and the Arts, all at the University of Wollongong, and Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at City, University of London. From 2006 to 2016, he held a chair in online learning at King’s College London. At UOW, City and King’s, Professor Farrell led numerous initiatives to develop research capacities, innovate learning and teaching, and enhance student experience.

Professor Farrell has held ten UK research council awards. His most recent book, Unwinnable: Britain’s War in Afghanistan (Vintage 2021), was shortlisted for three national book awards and selected book of the year by The Sunday Times. Professor Farrell is a champion of real-world impact from academic research. A leading expert on the conflict in Afghanistan, he acted as strategic advisor to the UK government and the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, and participated in track II talks with the Taliban.

Professor Farrell is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK), Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, Visiting Professor at King’s College London, and past President of the British International Studies Association.

Join us for this important Melbourne Forum event and hear from the leader of one of our state’s biggest universities.