Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau is Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Southern Cross University. In this role, he provides strategic leadership across the University’s research enterprise, with responsibility for research performance, impact, international collaboration and reputation uplift, including institutional rankings and global visibility. He works closely with the Vice-Chancellor, executive colleagues and Deans to strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration, embed a high-performance research culture, and align research strategy with national and international priorities.

Professor Joannes-Boyau is an internationally recognised geochemist and archaeologist with a distinguished career in archaeological science and human evolution. He holds a Master of Applied Physics applied to Archaeological Science from the University of Bordeaux and a PhD from the Australian National University (Research School of Earth Sciences). His research has led to major international collaborations, the establishment of world-class analytical infrastructure, and extensive publications in high-impact journals. He is deeply committed to mentoring higher-degree researchers and early-career academics, and to translating research excellence into societal, cultural, and policy impact.

Professor Joannes-Boyau has served as a member of University Council for six years, dedicating significant time to governance, strategy and stewardship, with a strong focus on strengthening the long-term future of the University. He is also Director of Research for the ARC Training Centre for Archaeology in the Resources Sector, a national initiative bringing together Traditional Owners, resources companies, archaeologists and cultural heritage experts to train a new generation of cultural heritage professionals and develop new approaches to safeguarding Indigenous cultural heritage. His leadership combines academic credibility with deep governance experience and a clear commitment to institutional sustainability and impact.