About Us
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) brings together Australia’s six real world universities focused on enterprise, impact and finding solutions to issues facing our economy and society. Our member universities are Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia, and University of Technology Sydney.
Our universities produce Australia’s most job-ready graduates and undertake world-class research with real-world impact, seeking to find solutions to the world’s most wicked problems. Through our innovation we are proud disruptors challenging the status quo and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of a rapidly changing economy and society. Together, we are proud of who we include, not exclude, with a strong commitment to equity, excellence and social justice.
Established in 1999, ATN is one of Australia’s leading university peak bodies with a track record of advocating and shaping positive policy outcomes with all levels of government. The Directorate is led by Executive Director Luke Sheehy and is based in Melbourne.
Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM
ATN Chair
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM, became Chair of the Australian Technology Network of Universities in April 2023.
Professor Hayne has been the Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University since April 2021, prior to this she was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, in New Zealand, since 2011.
Originally from the United States, Professor Hayne received a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College, and a Master of Science and PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience from Rutgers University. She spent three years as a post-doctoral fellow at Princeton before joining the University of Otago in 1992, subsequently serving as Head of the Psychology Department and as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise before being appointed as Vice-Chancellor. Professor Hayne has been awarded continuous research funding since 1992 and continues to conduct research and has published widely in the areas of memory development and adolescent risk taking.
During her tenure at Otago, Professor Hayne was Chair of Universities New Zealand and the Universities New Zealand Research Committee and a member of the Board of Treasury and the Board of Fulbright New Zealand. She is a current member of the Board of Fulbright Australia. In 2009 she was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to scientific and medical research. She received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Colorado College, USA, in 2012, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Otago in 2021. In 2022, she was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), in recognition of her services to health and wellbeing.
Luke Sheehy
ATN Executive Director
Luke Sheehy is the Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN).
Luke has previously been a senior policy adviser to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Shadow Minister for Education and Training.
He has also held a number of executive roles in the tertiary education and business community, including Education Innovation and Strategy Consultant, Asian Development Bank; Member Board of Directors, National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA); Director Collaboration & Partnerships and Advisor Government Relations, Swinburne University.
Our universities
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest and most culturally diverse university with Australia’s third largest international student population.
With campuses in Malaysia and Singapore as well as face-to-face teaching in a number of countries, Curtin has a strong commitment to international engagement. This cultural diversity adds a rich and valuable dimension to the campus atmosphere, preparing all graduates to live and work effectively in an increasingly global environment.
As one of Australia’s largest universities, Deakin has strong global linkages, world-class research and, most importantly, an educational portfolio that blends the best of campus and digital delivery into a highly supportive and personalised student experience
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has a bold vision to be a world-leading university of technology.
They are known for their industry focus, practice-based teaching and learning, real world research and location.
With state-of-the-art campuses and facilities, UTS prides itself on preparing students to become global thinkers, leaders and innovators.
RMIT University is a global university of technology and design and one of Australia’s original tertiary institutions.
Based in Melbourne, it has a global reputation for excellence in practical education, applied and innovative research, and engagement with the needs of industry.
RMIT is a leader in engineering, accounting and finance, computer science and information systems, communication and media studies, psychology, education, law and economics.
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is Australia’s University of Enterprise; engaged with the world and responsive to its needs. With more than 33,000 students, the university is South Australia’s largest.
Since its foundation in 1991, UniSA has earned a reputation for innovation, adaptability and smart planning. Their ethos has always been to make a difference in the wider world by contributing to local, national and global communities through their research and innovation and through the education of quality graduates ready to make their mark.
Established in 1965, The University of Newcastle prides itself on delivering superior education and world-class research. As an institution, The University of Newcastle is committed to making transforming knowledge into innovation that can make a difference in our communities, economies and our planet.