Prof Dawn Freshwater

Dawn Freshwater is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland. She became the University’s first female Vice-Chancellor in March 2020, after serving as the University of Western Australia’s Vice-Chancellor and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for six years (2014-2020).

Professor Freshwater was the first female Chair of the G08 Research Intensive Universities in Australia,and past Chair of the Partnership Board of the World University Network (WUN). She is currently Chair of UNZ Research Committee,  member of the National Health and Research Medical Council’s Women in Health Science Committee (NHMRC) and Deputy Chair and board Director of Research Australia.

Professor Freshwater was awarded her PhD at the University of Nottingham (1998) and is a highly experienced and driven supporter of translational research and research-led teaching. Her contribution to the fields of Public Health (specifically Mental Health and Forensic Mental Health) and in researching Leadership practices won her the highest honour in her field – the Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing (FRCN). She is an elected Member of the Academia Europea and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland.

As an academic, Professor Freshwater has contributed to more than 200 publications, including peer-reviewed papers, research reports, books, editorials and media contributions, and she continues to supervise PhD students.

A strong advocate of industry engagement and of the role of higher education in supporting trade agreements, Professor Freshwater maintains strong professional ties with key figures in education and industry in Asia, Europe and the United States. She is known for her advocacy and action in equity and inclusivity.