Sarah Maddison

Professor Sarah Maddison serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) at the University of New South Wales, overseeing Future Student, Registrar & Student Services, and Education & Student Experience divisions. With 25 years in higher education including 10 years in senior leadership roles spanning Department Chair, School Dean, Faculty Executive Dean, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor positions at Swinburne University of Technology.

Her academic credentials include BSc(Hons), PhD, and Fellowship of the Astronomical Society of Australia (FASA). Educational background:

• Bachelor of Science (Honors)
• Doctor of Philosophy

A dedicated astrophysicist, her research specializes in planet formation through observational studies using major radio telescopes and numerical simulations on supercomputers. She champions research-informed pedagogical practices and innovation in digital learning ecosystems, with expertise in learning analytics for student retention and borderless education frameworks. Her work bridges astronomical research with transformative educational leadership.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Australian government Office of Learning & Teaching Citation
• Open Universities Australia NOVA award for innovation in online learning

Professor Maddison has significantly shaped academic governance through leadership roles including Chair of the Women in Astronomy Chapter (Astronomical Society of Australia), Chair of the International Astronomical Union Working Group for Women in Astronomy, and membership on the Australian Research Council College of Experts, CSIRO Australia Telescope Time Assignment Committee, SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre’s Education College, and Square Kilometre Array Cradle of Life Working Group.

She maintains active involvement in astronomical research communities while driving institutional strategy for student experience and educational innovation at UNSW.