Senior role at Victoria University for leading researcher

Victoria University of Wellington has appointed Professor Margaret Hyland to the role of Vice-Provost (Research).

A close-up of Margaret Hyland

A Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, Professor Hyland is currently seconded to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in the role of Chief Scientist.

Prior to that appointment in 2017, she was Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland and Director of the Science of Technological Innovation National Science Challenge.

In addition to the numerous teaching awards Professor Hyland has received, she was the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Pickering Medal for excellence in technology by the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2015.

Victoria University’s Provost Professor Wendy Larner says Professor Hyland will make a significant important contribution in an area of critical importance to Victoria University.

“We are delighted to have someone of Professor Hyland’s calibre joining Victoria University’s Senior Leadership Team and leading our programme of work to further increase the quality, quantity and impact of research carried out here.

“Professor Hyland has the expertise and track record to ensure our research programmes are innovative, of the highest quality and respected nationally and globally.”

Professor Hyland has an impressive track record in external research funding, having secured NZ$39.1 million over the last 11 years as a Principal Investigator, and been an Associate Investigator on a number of other projects.

As Chief Scientist for MBIE, Professor Hyland is providing science leadership and developing national research, science and innovation strategies and policies and supporting their implementation.

Professor Hyland says she is excited about her new role at Victoria University, which is ranked first in New Zealand for research quality.

“Victoria University of Wellington’s commitment to being a global-civic university aligns closely with my own views and values. I welcome the opportunity to help Victoria University ensure its research has impact for New Zealand and contributes to national wellbeing,” she says.

Professor Hyland will take up her new position on Monday 30 July.