The University of Papua New Guinea Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Sir Robert Igara KBE CMG today announced the appointment and commencement of duties of the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea, Professor Ian Findlay.
Professor Findlay’s appointment was made by the Council in accordance with the powers vested in the Council under Section 28 (1) of the University of Papua New Guinea Act 1983.
The Council determined that the new Vice-Chancellor, as the Chief Executive Officer as well as the Chair of the Academic Senate, must provide decisive leadership, under the Council’s direction to achieve two objectives –
1. Bring about greater efficiency and integrity in management operations, and in the University’s academic programs delivery; and
2. Lead implementation of the strategic initiatives under the “UPNG’s Reconstruction and Modernisation Strategy for 2026 - 2030”.
Professor Findlay brings the leadership expertise and experience that will ensure the two objectives of the University as set by the Council will be successfully achieved.
The announcement was made during the commissioning of Professor Findlay in the presence of the University Leadership in a ceremony at the University Council Conference room today.
Professor Findlay took his oath of office before the legal counsel as Commissioner of Oaths Mr. Michael Wagambie and robed with the Vice-Chancellor’s gown and mortarboard (cap) symbolising Professor Findlay’s formal commencement and authority as the 13th Vice-Chancellor since the University began in 1965.
Professor Findlay takes over from Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Cecilia Nembou, who has been Acting Vice-Chancellor since 1st March 2024. Sir Robert, as the Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, expressed the gratitude of the University to Professor Nembou for her commitment and service to the University. In her brief tenure, Professor Nembou was able to restore and maintain stability, lead the Academic Senate, ensure improvements in academic governance, and successfully convene the University’s graduations in 2024 and this year.
The “Handover ceremony”, was convened by the Chancellor and Chairman of the Council Sir Robert Igara with members of the University Council, the University Academic Senate (comprising the Pro Vice-Chancellors, the Executive Deans of the five University Schools and Executive Director of the Open College, University Executive Management team, representatives of the National Academic Staff Association, University Overseas Staff Association and Non-Academic National Staff Association, and the student leaders.
Professor Findlay, a British-Australian, graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Glasgow (1987), United Kingdom. He holds a doctorate in genetic diagnosis of single cells from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Leeds (1997), United Kingdom. His work in genetics was recognized with the prestigious “Scientist of the Year - 1998 Award” by the European Society of Human Genetics. Professor Findlay was made a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management in 2013 in cognition of his contributions in transformational leadership in higher education institutions.
The new Vice-Chancellor has been credited with leading a bankrupt and failing Cambodian University of Puthisastra, as President and Vice-Chancellor, to become the number one university in that country and the top eight in Asia during the six years from 2018 to 2024. In Australia, Professor Findlay has led, researched and taught at the graduate and professorial levels at Central Queensland University, South Bank Institute of Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University, and University of Queensland. He was the recipient of the “Bancroft Medal” in 2005 – the highest award given by the Australian Medical Association.
As an excellent researcher, Professor Finlay has also filed for patents to protect several inventions that he has contributed. This includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Professor Findlay was selected following a lengthy and rigorous recruitment process led by the University Council, through a public advertisement in Papua New Guinea and overseas. The University was assisted by Vanguard PNG International, to ensure the independence and integrity to the process.
The process culminated in a first-ever Information Memorandum (IM) on Vice- Chancellor Appointment – a template which will be used to recruit the Executive Management team members and the Schools’ Executive Deans.
UPNG engaged PNG company Vanguard International to assist with the search within PNG and internationally for a Vice-Chancellor. A total of 39 candidates applied, 5 PNG citizens, and 24 from overseas. Based on preliminary assessments by Vanguard International and UPNG’s selection Task Force, a list of 9 applicants were selected, after which a final short list of 3 candidates – one Papua New Guinean and 2 Overseas Nationals - were selected for interview in Port Moresby.
The interviews of the 3 short-listed candidates consisted of:
• 2 interviews of each candidate by the Council-appointed Vice Chancellor’s Selection-Appointments Committee; and
• A seminar-type presentation to all UPNG Senior Leadership consisting of the 2 Pro Vice-Chancellors, Registrar, Executive Deans of the five UPNG Schools and Representatives of the National Academic Staff Association (NASA), Non- Academic Staff Association (NANSA), University Overseas Staff Association (UOSA), and Students Representative Council (SRC).
The Council Vice-Chancellor’s Selection Committee and all UPNG stakeholders concluded unanimously on the ranking of the three short-listed candidates with Prof. Ian Findlay ranked as number one, and the preferred candidate, which was therefore recommended to the UPNG Council.
The UPNG Council, at its Special Council Meeting held on 22nd May 2025, unanimously resolved to offer the appointment of Vice Chancellor to Professor Ian Findlay.
“UPNG Council’s decision to appoint Professor Ian Findlay was unanimous,” said Sir Robert.
“The new Vice Chancellor’s commencement today follows approvals of his terms of remuneration by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the signing of the Employment Contract with Professor Findlay, and the taking of the Oath of Office today.”
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Findlay, and his wife Carol, to our University and our country”.
“As we reach 50 years of our country’s Independence, we celebrate our University’s contribution to our nation. Since our first graduation in 1970 UPNG has produced some 55,000 graduates who have participated and continue to participate and contribute to our nation and our people’s journey and progress.”
With the proper support of the Government at all levels, the private sector and NGOs, UPNG under the leadership of its Council and Senate, the new Vice-Chancellor, the Executive and Academic Leaders, as well as Staff and Students, the University will continue its mission and contribution to our nation’s journey over the next 50 years, stated Sir Robert.
This will be guided by UPNG’s “Reconstruction and Modernisation Reform Strategy” aimed at instilling confidence and hope in our current and next generation of Papua New Guineans”, concluded the Chancellor and Chairman of the UPNG Council.
Approved for Release.
Sir Robert Igara KBE CMG
Chancellor and Chairman
UPNG COUNCIL