Professor Emma Sparks has been appointed as the next dean and rector of UNSW Canberra, making her the first woman in the role.
The systems engineer is currently based at the Cranfield University in the United Kingdom and has 20 years' experience in the higher education and defence sectors.
UNSW Sydney president and vice-chancellor Ian Jacobs said it was an outstanding appointment for the university following a global search.
"Having worked with the military, defence contractors and government agencies, Emma brings deep insights into the impact university teaching and research can have for the benefit of these important stakeholders," Professor Jacobs said.
"Emma will arrive at an exciting time to lead on delivery of our renewed agreement with the Australian Defence Force and our new Canberra campus in partnership with the ACT government."
Professor Sparks previously worked at the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency and at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in the UK.
She was named on The Telegraph's Top 50 Women in Engineering in the UK in 2018.
Professor Sparks will begin the role in January 2022.
