The University of Sydney has appointed former NSW Premier and Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell AO as Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor (India).
In this role, Mr O’Farrell will support Vice-Chancellor and President, Prof. Mark Scott, in matters relevant to the University’s education, research and diplomatic endeavours with India, the sub-continent and more broadly.
On his appointment, Mr O’Farrell said that he is excited to be working with the Vice-Chancellor to help the University expand its offering to students and research partners in India.
“This is India’s century, and no sector offers greater promise for both Australia and India than education. Australia can play a key role in helping India meet its 2035 target to get 50 percent of young Indians into higher or vocational education by 2035.”
Both he and Professor Scott have met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year.
Prof. Scott. said in a statement:
“In line with the Federal Government’s Education Strategy for India and our own Sydney in 2032 Strategy, the University’s ties with India have gone from strength to strength in 2023.”
In 2023, the university has more students from India than ever before, supported by scholarships such as our Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship.
Further, the university’s research ties are also deepening with the launch of Australia-India R&D Priority Roadmap. This will see researchers from both countries work together to find practical ways to decarbonise our respective energy sectors.
Prof. Scott further observed:
“As Australia’s most recent high commissioner to India, Mr O’Farrell brings a unique perspective to the University. I’ve no doubt the insights and intelligence he can offer us will only strengthen our bilateral ties.”
Mr O’Farrell was Australia’s High Commissioner to India from early 2020 until June this year. Prior to this he was a member of the New South Wales Parliament for 16 years, serving as the state’s premier from 2011 until 2014.
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