Thousands of students—including many of you reading this magazine—have come through our doors over the past 125 years. Many have gone on to make significant contributions to New Zealand and the world, building on the knowledge gained during their studies.

This year has provided an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of the students, staff, partners, and broader communities that have been part of our first century and a quarter.

Universities are not just places where people go to get qualifications. They are integral parts of our social, cultural, and economic fabric—places where ideas are debated (often hotly) and where social progress is advanced. Our history reflects this.

On our 125 website, you can read about some of the extraordinary people and events that have helped shape the University since it was founded in 1897.

In this edition of Victorious, you can read about some of the work our outstanding researchers are involved in today and the contribution it’s making to our understanding of major global issues, from climate change to corporate ethics to COVID-19.

The recent discovery of bleached sponges in Fiordland by Professor James Bell and his research team is just one example. This bleaching, linked to a marine heatwave over summer, has never been seen before in New Zealand and adds to evidence of the far-reaching impacts of a warming climate.

James’s research and other projects highlighted in this magazine illustrate the University’s ongoing contribution to the wider community, whether it’s through new discoveries, new ways of understanding the world, or new solutions to the problems we face as a society.

We’re fortunate that the work we do has made us the top-ranked university in the country for intensity of high-quality research. We also continue to be in the top 1 percent of universities globally for 18 subjects and in the top 2 percent overall in the prestigious QS rankings. It reflects the talent and commitment of our staff and students and the desire to make a meaningful difference.

For me, 2022 has been a memorable year serving as Kaiwhakakapi Tumu Whakarae—Acting Vice-Chancellor, following Professor Grant Guilford’s retirement in March. It’s been a privilege to work with colleagues as we continue to steer a course through the pandemic.

I’ll continue in this role until our newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nic Smith, starts in 2023.

Nic is a distinguished researcher in biomedical engineering and has extensive experience in leadership roles in the tertiary sector. He is currently provost at Queensland University of Technology. He’ll take up the reins here in January, as the University prepares for its next 125 years.

Ngā mihi nui,

Jennifer

Professor Jennifer Windsor

Kaiwhakakapi Tumu Whakarae—Acting Vice-Chancellor