- Posted on 25 Aug 2025
- 5 minutes read
UTS has made two critical new appointments to further enhance UTS’s reputation for research excellence and support the university as a leader in driving partnerships that deliver positive research impact.
Professor Anika Gauja has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Professor Penny Martens as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degree by Research) commencing at UTS within the next six months.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Kate McGrath, welcomed the two outstanding academics.
“Over the past five years, UTS has solidified its global position as a leading research university. We now rank in the top 50 universities globally for research quality by both QS and THE rankings and are continuing to harness creativity and innovation to deliver research outcomes that make a difference,” she said.
“Professors Gauja and Martens will provide critical leadership as we work to create socially beneficial outcomes from our research and provide an environment that supports individual growth, a rigorous research training experience and offers opportunities for future careers for the research community.”
Professor Anika Gauja
Professor Anika Gauja has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research). She has been working at the Australian Research Council as Executive Director for the Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences, providing expert advice to inform research policy and programs. Prior to this, she was Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Director of Research Development (Social Sciences) at the University of Sydney. An internationally renowned political scientist, she has a strong track record of interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration.
As a connected and engaged university, our research is informed by our partners and the needs of our communities and Professor Gauja as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) will support a culture of research excellence, creativity and innovation that builds connections to increase the scale and global recognition of UTS’ research. The role particularly drives improved collaborations across disciplines as well as national and international partnerships that address major challenges and opportunities.
“I look forward to supporting the excellent and impactful work of UTS researchers. I am really excited by UTS’ reputation as a creative and innovative university. These values are core to research that embraces collaboration, advances knowledge and leads to lasting benefits for our communities at local, national and global levels,” Professor Gauja said.
Professor Penny Martens
Professor Penny Martens has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degrees by Research). She joins UTS from the University of New South Wales, where she has led the reimaging of HDR supervisor support and training in her role as Deputy Dean, Graduate Research. She has had a distinguished career as a biomedical engineer in Australia and the US, having specialised in using polymers in medical implants and other applications. She has held editorial roles for several international publications, won a NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award and served as President of the Australian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) (Higher Degrees by Research) will lead the Graduate Research School to help provide PhD and Masters by Research students with a research training and student experience that positions them for a broader range of future positions in academic, industry and entrepreneurial settings.
“Research is not just about discovery; it's about shaping and transforming our futures and society. I'm honoured to join UTS and to lead a vibrant community of scholars toward impact, innovation, and excellence. I’m eager to connect with colleagues across the University and collaborate on shaping the future of higher degree research. Together, we can create opportunities that inspire and empower the next generation of researchers,” Professor Martens said.