Appointment of Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow (Research)
Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor Christina Mitchell AO has been appointed to the role of Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow (Research), which she will commence immediately on completion of her current term as Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences on Monday 31 August 2026.
As Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow (Research), Professor Mitchell will provide strategic leadership to the University’s academic community to help strengthen our research performance. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President, Professor Robyn Ward AM, Professor Mitchell’s role will particularly focus on enhancing the competitiveness and success of major research grant applications.
Professor Mitchell will also continue to lead her own significant research program and team, and will remain a Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor in recognition of her exceptional and sustained contributions to research and community.
An exceptional academic leader
The first woman to be appointed Dean of Medicine in any of the Group of Eight universities in Australia in 2011, Professor Mitchell shaped Monash’s Faculty into a world-leading research and education powerhouse overseeing unprecedented growth. Under her leadership, the Faculty rose in global rankings across a broad range of subject areas with many disciplines now ranked amongst the top 30 in the world.
During her exceptional 35-year career with the University, in which she was first senior lecturer, then Head of the Department of Biochemistry (1999-2006) and Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences (2006-2010), she embraced a pioneering spirit which transformed visions into reality.
Professor Mitchell has made a significant contribution to the development of major research initiatives and infrastructure platforms including the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, the $65 million Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, the Victorian Heart Hospital, Victorian Heart Institute and the Monash Health Translation Precinct, the Monash Partners Health Translation Network including Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium, and the National Centre for Healthy Ageing.
Professor Mitchell’s research focuses on elucidating the function of previously uncharacterised genes involved in regulating cell proliferation and embryonic development – that contribute to human disease. She has published more than 170 papers in top molecular and cell biology journals and has been and is still funded by the ARC, NHMRC, MRFF and National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Her capacity to inspire and collaborate with others deepened the Faculty’s relationships with executive leaders across Monash-affiliated public and private hospitals. These strengthened partnerships resulted in increased research productivity, expanded opportunities for student placements and enhanced engagement in university-associated clinical trials.
Professor Mitchell has been an outstanding role model for many academics across Monash and the broader tertiary sector. She has mentored and supported the development of women into leading academic and professional roles, and has made substantive contributions to ensuring equal opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds. The Faculty’s participation rates among Indigenous students have doubled since 2016, and it continues to support increased participation among women, regional undergraduates, and remote students.
An excellent researcher and celebrated contributor to the community
Professor Mitchell’s research focuses on elucidating the function of previously uncharacterised genes involved in regulating cell proliferation and embryonic development that contribute to human disease. She has published more than 170 papers in top molecular and cell biology journals, and continues to receive research funding from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, and National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Professor Mitchell’s work has received much recognition and praise, evidenced by an extensive list of research-specific prizes and awards. In 2015 she was elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, and in 2025 she was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science for her fundamental discoveries in biochemistry in the field of intracellular signalling.
In 2015 she was elected to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and in 2019, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished services to medicine in the field of haematology, to medical education and research, and to academic leadership. Professor Mitchell was the first woman appointed a Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor at Monash in 2008, and reappointed in that role in 2021. In 2024 she was inducted into the Monash Honour Roll.
In her new role Professor Mitchell will draw on her exemplary international reputation, extensive research leadership experience, and deep understanding of the global research landscape. She will work across faculties, institutes and research platforms to support the development of ambitious and competitive research programs, guide the preparation of high-quality major research proposals, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen the University’s research funding success and international reputation.
We are immensely appreciative to Professor Mitchell for her contributions to the Faculty and broader Monash community as Executive Dean over the past 15 years. Monash University congratulates Professor Mitchell on her new appointment and looks forward to working with her as a Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow. A global search will commence to appoint her successor.