University releases Advancing Melbourne 10-year strategy

World globe graphic
The Advancing Melbourne strategy covers five key focus areas – place, community, education, discovery and global – and was developed after extensive consultation with staff, students, alumni and key stakeholders. Image: supplied

The University of Melbourne has released its Advancing Melbourne 2030 strategic plan, outlining its aspirations and direction for the next decade.

Describing a broad direction of travel and set of aspirations, the strategy underpins a series of flexible, detailed tactical delivery plans.

Advancing Melbourne was about to be published when the devastating bushfire season of 2019–20 and the COVID-19 pandemic of early 2020 struck.

“Since then all University of Melbourne policy decisions have been focused on dealing with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell said.

“Notwithstanding these shocks, I am at one with the University of Melbourne Council and Executive in judging that Advancing Melbourne remains entirely pertinent to the success of the University; now is the time to set a strong strategic framework to guide the University through the next decade.”

The Advancing Melbourne strategy covers five key focus areas – place, community, education, discovery and global – and was developed after extensive consultation with staff, students, alumni and key stakeholders.

Professor Maskell said that the strategy will help the University to deliver in the national interest and make vital contributions to Australia’s standing on the world stage.

“The University should be one of the leading lights in advancing Australia as an ambitious, forward-thinking country, increasing its reputation and influence globally,” he said.

He believes that this ambitious 10-year strategy sets an agenda that is relevant to our times and achievable.

“Indeed, it is already informing the University’s thinking about how to tackle the challenges of COVID-19, and how to emerge from the pandemic fit for purpose and ready to contribute to this nation’s future and the future of the world,” Professor Maskell said.

“The world will adapt to the presence of COVID-19. The University of Melbourne will contribute to that adaptation by continuing to do what it does best: educating students to an extremely high standard, in the context of outstanding research across a wide range of disciplines, partnering with industry and the community to lead to tangible benefits for society.

“Advancing Melbourne builds on nearly 170 years of contributing to the development of the City of Melbourne and the State of Victoria, Australia and the world.

“It will guide and inspire us to see beyond current setbacks towards a bright and successful future for our students, our staff and the communities we serve.”

Read the Advancing Melbourne 2030 strategy.

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