ANU honours Chubb’s service to education

Ian Chubb.

Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb has received an honorary doctorate from ANU as part of the 2011 graduation ceremonies.

Professor Chubb was presented on Wednesday with the degree of Doctor of the University for his outstanding service to the University and his distinguished contributions to higher education and society.

The citation for Professor Chubb’s honorary degree reads:

"Ian Chubb became Vice-Chancellor of ANU in January 2001 and was charged with reforming the University so that it would be able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.  At the outset he emphasised that the University’s most important asset was its people, and that if ANU was to move ahead, there needed to be a unity of purpose within the University community.

"Ian Chubb retired in February this year as the University’s longest serving Vice-Chancellor having led the University through a much needed period of organisational and cultural change with determination, confidence and integrity. In the words of a member of the ANU Council he ’re-energised, re-philosophised, recapitalised and rebuilt the whole University’.

"During his career Ian Chubb has made major professional contributions to higher education and is known as a fearless spokesman for the sector.  He has served as Chair of the Commonwealth Higher Education Council, as President and Vice-President of the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee and as a member of numerous boards and committees in the public and private sectors associated with research, education and public policy."

Professor Chubb was Vice-Chancellor of ANU from 2001-2011. In May this year he was appointed as Chief Scientist for Australia by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

In 1999 Professor Chubb, a neuroscientist, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the Australia and in 2006 a Companion in the order for his service to higher education and the national interest.