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Professor Chris Marlin, new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International)

Professor Chris Marlin is to join the University of Sussex in the new senior post of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International). 

An Australian national, Professor Marlin is currently Professor of Computer Science at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) from 2004-09 and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) from 1998-2004. 

During this period, Professor Marlin developed a track record of institutional engagement in the international arena, having cultivated a range of strategic international links for Flinders, including through his leading role in establishing research collaborations within the International Network of Universities and his mentoring of groups of Chinese university Vice-Presidents.  He also played a role in the internationalisation of the Flinders curriculum, as co-author of an academic program in globalisation. 

Before joining Flinders in 1992, he held a range of academic positions at the University of Adelaide from 1984-91, including a period as Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. Professor Marlin holds BSc and PhD degrees in Computing Science from the University of Adelaide. 

From 1980-83 he was an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Iowa in the USA. 

Interviews for the post of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) took place in early July after the post had been advertised in Times Higher Education in April. 

The selection panel, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, included an independent member of Council, a member of Senate, one of the new heads of school and an experienced external individual. 

Welcoming Professor Marlin's appointment, the Vice-Chancellor said: "This is an important new role for Sussex, and I am delighted to have secured someone of Professor Marlin's calibre and experience.  He will bring a strong international perspective and leadership to Sussex, ensuring that we can forge ahead with the internationalisation agenda which will be vital for our development." 

Professor Marlin said: "It is a pleasure to be joining the University of Sussex, a university with a strong international reputation.  I look forward to working with the university community to develop a coherent and strategic approach to internationalisation in all its forms." 

The new role will provide senior academic leadership for the University's internationalisation strategy. 

After he takes up his role in late November, Professor Marlin will develop the University's worldwide partnerships and links, and a principal task will be to increase the number of international students at Sussex in a fast-changing and competitive market.  Addressing the internationalisation of the curriculum, the campus and the student experience will also be important, complementary tasks. 

Like the other Pro-Vice-Chancellor posts, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) will be part of the Vice-Chancellor's Executive Group (VCEG) and will have direct line management for a number of the new heads of school.