Professor Glyn Davis AC appointed to new joint ANU and ANZSOG role

Professor Glyn Davis AC has been appointed to the Crawford School of Public Policy, which will involve teaching senior public sector leaders and important research on public policy and administration.

ANZSOG Dean and CEO Professor Ken Smith said the appointment, supported by the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) would bring an outstanding asset to ANU, and would allow Professor Davis to continue to contribute to ANZSOG’s work in executive education and research.

 “Glyn was instrumental in establishing the successful ANZSOG network in the early 2000s. He was a member of the Board of Directors and chaired the company in its formative years,” Professor Smith said.

“He chairs our research committee, which has recently endorsed a demand-led approach and has significantly increased funding allocations (from $250K to $750K per annum), and has worked closely with us on a number of programs involving senior public officials, including, Chief Executive Officers of public service agencies across Australia and New Zealand.”

Professor Smith described Professor Davis as a highly influential and respected scholar, who has shaped thinking on public policy in Australia and further afield. 

“As a senior academic with significant direct experience in public administration and University leadership, he brings a unique capability to our work.

“I am delighted that he will be able to continue to make a significant contribution to important areas of research and executive education aimed at improving public service capabilities at national and regional levels in the Indo-Pacific region.”

ANZSOG has long term links with ANU through joint funding of the Sir John Bunting Chair of Public Administration (who is also Deputy Dean of Research at ANZSOG) for more than 14 years. 

The Sir John Bunting Chair is currently being advertised.

ANZSOG also maintains offices and education facilities at the Crawford School of Public Policy and have close working relationships with the School and other faculties at ANU.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC said Professor Davis would be an outstanding asset to the ANU, particularly in the University’s role in helping shape and inform public policy.

“Glyn Davis is rightly renowned as one of Australia’s finest higher education leaders. He has led the University of Melbourne with distinction,” said Professor Schmidt.

Director of the Crawford School Professor Helen Sullivan said Professor Davis would contribute to the full range of ANU research, teaching, engagement and outreach activities.

“His planned program of work on leadership and public service ethics is very timely given the challenges of contemporary governance and the loss of public trust in our institutions.”

Professor Davis has had a long and distinguished career, serving as a Professor of Political Science, Vice-Chancellor of Griffith University, and most recently as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne from 2005-2018.

He will also begin writing about political leadership and will be collaborating with a range of universities in the UK and Europe.