For almost 75 years, The Australian National University (ANU) has been home to some of the most remarkable people from across the world: visionaries, influential leaders, researchers and advocates creating impact and change nationally, regionally and globally.

Our role as the national university means it is in our DNA to be ambitious, bold and transformative in our approaches to research and public policy.

Indeed, we were founded to provide policymakers and influencers with evidence-based solutions to ensure Australia and its regional neighbours across Asia and the Pacific are prepared to confront the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities that will frame our future.

One of the most profound challenges we all face is tackling the impact and legacy of gender inequality, which has for generations created societies in which women have been denied opportunities available to men. This must change. Women from every background can and should become leaders at every level and in every sector.

This is a cause I champion passionately. And so I was delighted when the opportunity arose to enter a partnership with King’s College London to create an Asia-Pacific focused ‘sister’ Institute of The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) here at ANU.

Chaired and founded by Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, GIWL encapsulates the pursuit of research excellence and truly transformative public policy and societal impact.

Professor Brian P. Schmidt AC
Vice-Chancellor & President
2011 Nobel Laureate Physics