Torrens University appoints Professor Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

15 September 2026 | Media Release

Professor Georgiou-Karistianis joins Torrens from Monash University, where she most recently served as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) and Professor of Psychology, leading Australia's largest higher degree research enterprise. She oversaw more than 5,600 doctoral candidates across Monash's global campuses and managed a scholarship portfolio exceeding $113 million.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in Torrens University's research strategy as it continues to strengthen its research capability, industry engagement and global partnerships.

Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Aleks Subic said Professor Georgiou-Karistianis brings an exceptional combination of executive leadership, academic distinction and a proven track record of delivering research impact at scale.

Professor Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis is one of Australia's most respected research leaders. Her experience leading large-scale research ecosystems, driving research excellence, building strong industry and international partnerships and her proven experience in researcher development will be invaluable as Torrens University enters its next phase of growth and research development.

“Nellie has demonstrated a strong commitment to research that creates real-world impact. Her leadership will help strengthen our research capability and profile, deepen collaboration with industry and government, and support our researchers to deliver outcomes that make a meaningful difference to society.

Prior to her role as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training), Professor Georgiou-Karistianis held several senior leadership positions at Monash University, including Deputy Dean (Academic and Graduate Affairs) in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Associate Dean (Graduate Research). Across these roles, she led faculty-wide research performance initiatives, academic workforce development, research governance and graduate research strategy, delivering substantial improvements in research training outcomes and supervisory capability.

Professor Georgiou-Karistianis said she was excited to join Torrens University at a time of significant opportunity for the sector.

Torrens University is building a strong reputation for innovation, industry connection and student success. I am excited by the opportunity to work with colleagues across the University to further strengthen research excellence, expand strategic partnerships and support research that addresses complex challenges and delivers tangible benefits for communities, industry and society.

An internationally recognised researcher, Professor Georgiou-Karistianis has published more than 240 peer-reviewed papers, attracted more than $16 million in competitive research funding and has an h-index of 61, with more than 12,000 citations to her work. Her expertise spans research strategy, governance, performance improvement, research training, industry engagement, international collaboration and the application of artificial intelligence in research and researcher development.

Professor Georgiou-Karistianis will commence as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on 1 December.