In a video posted today Vice Chancellors Professor David Lloyd (UniSA) and Professor Peter Høj AC (The University of Adelaide) have confirmed their respective councils have given the green light for their institutions to merge to create a “great new University called Adelaide University”.
The business case and associated work would appear to have identified complementarity between the two institutions, with Professor Lloyd of UniSA saying, “The actual activities of our institutions are so complimentary that not to do this would be a mistake”.
The case of size does matter is made with Professor Hoj of The University of Adelaide pointing out, “Not only is this good for the state and the new combined University, it tells people in South Australia we can do big things.” Solving big issues will require multiple disciplines to come together, saying “we will have a size that can afford to sustain those disciplines”.
What of questions of staffing?
Both councils have resolved there will be no forced redundancies as a result of the merger, and this will extend 18 months into the life of the new university. The aim “is to grow jobs,” states Professor Hoj.
In fact, Professor Lloyd indicates the business case identifies “an additional economic benefit of AUD$500m once established and operating”.
When does this all happen? January 2026
There will be lots more to come.
