May 28, 2025
Max Lu takes helm as UOW Vice-Chancellor
Renowned academic leader joins University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, ushering in a new era for 50th anniversary
The University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ (UOW) has welcomed globally renowned academic leader Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO as its sixth Vice-Chancellor and President, marking a new era for the institution as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. 
UOW Chancellor Mr Michael Still said Professor Lu brings exceptional depth of experience as a globally recognised academic leader, chemical engineer and advanced materials scientist. 
“With more than 35 years of leadership across research, innovation and higher education, both in Australia and internationally, Professor Lu brings the kind of insight, steadiness and vision that UOW needs to become a future-ready university,” Mr Still said. 
“I can think of no one better to lead us through this next chapter than Professor Lu, whose commitment to the power of education and to globally connected, locally grounded institutions aligns so clearly with our purpose and direction.” 
Professor Lu joins UOW after nine years as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, where he successfully led the institution through periods of significant change – strengthening international partnerships, driving innovation in digital education and elevating the university’s role locally and globally.
He brings to UOW a deep understanding of how to lead with clarity and care during change, and a belief that great universities deliver impact in many forms — through discovery, inclusion, collaboration and community. His leadership is grounded in aligning strategy with purpose, and in investing in people and culture to build institutions that thrive. 
Professor Lu’s return to Australia, where he began his academic career, is both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming, as he and his family settle in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. 
“UOW’s proud history, strong community roots and global reach make it a truly distinctive institution and one I feel privileged to join,” Professor Lu said. 
“This is a University with a clear commitment to excellence in teaching, research and engagement. I believe deeply in the power of education to change lives, and I see that mission reflected in UOW’s work, from the Illawarra to our campuses around the world.”  
Professor Lu said his focus over the next few months will be to meet as many members of the UOW community as he can, to understand their experiences and aspirations and hear what matters most to staff, students and partners. 
Those voices and ideas will inform his approach as he works with the executive team and University community to finalise UOW’s 2030 Strategy, develop a vision extending to 2035 and position UOW to be a top 100 global and top 10 Australian university. 
“I know this is a time of change for UOW and for the sector more broadly,” Professor Lu said. “It’s also a time of great opportunity – to come together with purpose, to shape the next chapter of our story, and to reimagine the role we can play in Australia and beyond.”