The National Imaging Facility (NIF) is pleased to announce Emeritus Professor Annabelle Duncan as the new Chair of the NIF Governing Board.
Professor Duncan will commence as chair on 1 January 2026, working with the NIF Board to guide and implement NIF’s long-term vision and strategy at a time when imaging is demonstrating significant impact and offering immense opportunity for research, clinical translation, and innovation.
Professor Duncan is a distinguished science, higher education and public policy leader with extensive experience in strategic leadership, research management; and governance across universities, government agencies and scientific organisations.
She has served as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of New England, held senior positions at CSIRO including the Chief of the Division of Molecular Science, and as an advisor to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Biological Weapons Control. In 1996, she was awarded a Public Service Medal for services to science and weapons control.
The University of Queensland, the administering organisation for NIF, joins in congratulating Professor Duncan on her appointment. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Sue Harrison congratulates Professor Duncan on her appointment: “Professor Duncan’s strong leadership focus on bridging science, innovation and policy is a significant benefit for NIF. We are thrilled to have her steering the next phase of NIF’s work, which will enable continued significant impacts for our national health challenges, and accelerate Australian innovation.”
“We warmly welcome Annabelle as incoming Chair of the NIF Governing Board, whose wealth of experience in science leadership, research governance and national policy will be invaluable in guiding NIF in its next phase of growth and impact for Australia’s research and innovation landscape,” says NIF CEO Professor Wojtek Goscinski.
NIF sincerely thanks outgoing Chair Professor Margaret Harding
Professor Harding, a distinguished and highly experienced board director and higher education executive, has contributed her leadership and expertise to NIF for the past five years. Significant achievements of the Board during her tenure include:
- implementation of a new governance model for NIF, which has been commended for excellence in a recent Department of Education independent review of NIF’s governance
- major national strategic investments delivered through NCRIS and state government funding processes, complemented by substantial leveraged philanthropic support
- a new NIF strategy that delivers to Australian health and medical research priorities.
Professor Harrison thanks Professor Harding for her executive leadership since 2020: “We extend our sincere appreciation to Margaret for her exceptional leadership and dedication as Chair of the NIF Board, guiding the organisation with vision and integrity to advance Australia’s advanced imaging infrastructure.”
“Her commitment to collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening NIF’s partnerships, governance and impact across the national research landscape.”
Professor Goscinski says, “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board Chair, Professor Margaret Harding, for her energetic leadership, which has driven her significant contributions to NIF and its communities,” he says. “It has been a great pleasure working with Margaret, who brought a keen strategic eye and a deep understanding of how national organisations can collaborate effectively to achieve deep impact.”
About Professor Duncan
Emeritus Professor Annabelle Duncan is a distinguished leader in science, higher education and public policy. She has extensive experience in research management; strategic leadership; and governance across universities, government agencies and scientific organisations.
Professor Duncan’s focus is on bridging science, innovation, and policy to drive national research capability and sustainable development. She uses her expertise to advise on issues relating to research translation, institutional strategy, and the interface between science and society.
Professor Duncan’s career spans senior executive, advisory, and research roles. She served as Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of New England, and held senior positions at CSIRO and was an Advisor to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where she contributed to international arms control and biological weapons policy and earned a Public Service Medal.
Professor Duncan serves on boards and committees in the education, science, and regional development sectors. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and of the NSW Royal Society.