Indian scholar appointed VC of Canberra University

H Deep Saini, 60, currently the Vice-President of the University of Toronto and Principal of the University of Toronto Mississauga campus in Canada, will succeed Vice Chancellor Stephen Parker in September who steps down from the post in July after over nine years in the service. 

Chancellor and Chair of University Council Tom Calma AO said the University’s governing body was delighted that the internationally experienced university leader has agreed to become the University of Canberra’s fifth Vice-Chancellor, the university said in a statement. 

“Saini’s outstanding academic pedigree and vast international experience will be key to delivering on our vision to be recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative tertiary institutions; world-ranked, with regional, national and international reach,” Calma said. 

Saini said, “I am both humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to lead an institution with so much grit and promise at such a critical juncture in its evolution. I look forward to the next phase of the University’s transformation as a global leader in mission-oriented education and problem-solving research with a solid intellectual core.” 

Saini completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, and doctorate in plant physiology from the University of Adelaide. He has received a number of honours including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.