The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has officially appointed Professor Ian Findlay as its new Vice-Chancellor. The announcement was made by Chancellor and Council Chairman, Sir Robert Igara KBE CMG, during a formal handover ceremony at the university’s Council Conference Room recently. Professor Findlay becomes the 13th Vice-Chancellor since UPNG was established in 1965. He takes over from Professor Cecilia Nembou, who had been serving in an acting capacity since March 1, 2024. Sir Robert praised Professor Nembou for her strong leadership during a critical period, noting her success in restoring institutional stability, improving academic governance, and overseeing two successful graduation ceremonies. The university’s governing council appointed Professor Findlay under Section 28(1) of the UPNG Act 1983. He will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the University and Chair of the Academic Senate. His primary tasks include enhancing efficiency and integrity across university operations and spearheading the institution’s “Reconstruction and Modernization Strategy 2026–2030.” “Professor Findlay brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of transformative leadership. We are confident he will help lead UPNG into a new era of academic excellence and institutional renewal,” said Sir Robert. A British-Australian national, Professor Findlay holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in genetic diagnosis from the University of Leeds. He has worked extensively across Australia’s tertiary education sector, including senior roles at Griffith University, the University of Queensland, and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Internationally, he is best known for his transformative leadership at the University of Puthisastra in Cambodia, where he served as President and Vice-Chancellor. Under his leadership from 2018 to 2024, the university rose from a struggling institution to being ranked number one in Cambodia and among the top eight in Asia. Professor Findlay’s academic achievements include receiving the 1999 “Scientist of the Year” award from the European Society of Human Genetics, and the Bancroft Medal in 2005, the Australian Medical Association’s highest honour. He has also filed several patents in genetics, with grants awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. His appointment follows a global recruitment process facilitated by Vanguard PNG International. Of the 39 applicants—five from PNG and 24 from overseas—a shortlist of three candidates was selected, including one Papua New Guinean. All three underwent interviews and presentations to UPNG’s senior leadership and staff associations. Professor Findlay emerged as the top-ranked candidate and was unanimously endorsed by the University Council in a special meeting on May 22, 2025. In Friday’s ceremony, he was sworn in by legal counsel Mr. Michael Wagambie and formally robed in the Vice-Chancellor’s academic gown and cap, signifying his assumption of office. “We warmly welcome Professor Findlay and his wife Carol to Papua New Guinea,” Sir Robert said. “As we mark 50 years of our nation’s independence, UPNG remains committed to its mission of national development. Under Professor Findlay’s leadership, we look forward to a new chapter in the University’s proud history.” The university’s long-term development will be guided by the “Reconstruction and Modernisation Strategy,” a five-year plan aimed at revitalizing infrastructure, governance, and academic delivery across all campuses.