Academic chairs

Through the help of donors and partners, we have established a number of academic chairs in areas ranging from restorative justice to sustainable energy.

University chair positions ensure excellence in research and teaching. Chairs are usually funded by government and private organisations that have a need in specific areas of research.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington currently has six academic chairs:

Complexity Science

The Chair in Complexity Science tackles big questions by using modelling and analytical tools to reveal the complex dynamics and interdependencies of our world.

Ethical leadership

The Brian Picot Chair in Ethical Leadership works on facilitating a transparent and ethically sound business sector.

Economics of disasters and climate change

The Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change looks at the economic impacts of natural disasters and how we can mitigate and manage those impacts.

Restorative justice

The Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice provides a focus for collaborative research and teaching on restorative justice theories, policies, and practices.

Wellbeing and public policy

The Chair of Wellbeing and Public Policy in Wellington School of Business and Government conducts research in the areas of public wellbeing and related policy.

Sustainable energy

The Chair of Sustainable Energy Systems in the School of Engineering supports the transition to sustainable energy in the New Zealand economy and society.

Our funders

  • Accident Compensation Corporation
  • Department of Corrections
  • Department of Internal Affairs
  • Earthquake Commission
  • Financial Markets Authority
  • Gama Foundation
  • Inland Revenue
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Ministry of Education
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Ministry of Social Development
  • New Zealand Police
  • New Zealand Productivity Commission
  • New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
  • Private philanthropists
  • State Services Commission
  • The Grace Memorial Trust
  • The Government Regulatory Practice Initiative
  • The Treasury

Support a chair

The University’s chairs are funded by a range of institutions and individuals. Contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office if you or your organisation have research needs that are not being met, and you would like to discuss supporting an academic chair.

  • Development and Alumni Relations Office

    development-office@vuw.ac.nz
    Level 3, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade, Wellington
    Postal address: PO Box 600, Wellington 6140