Dawn Freshwater

Professor Dawn Freshwater became Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia (UWA) in January 2017 and is currently leading the implementation of UWA’s 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan. She has been a leader in world class universities for over a decade and remains committed to her academic discipline.

Professor Freshwater contributes to many national and international boards including as Chair and Director of Group of Eight (Go8), Vice-Chair, Partnership Board of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Board Director, Perth USAsia Centre, member NHMRC Women in Health Science (WiHS) Committee, member of Chief Executive Women Engagement Committee (CEW), Board Member of the UWA Public Policy Institute, and Board Director of Lifeline WA. She will also assume the role of Chair of the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU) in July.

Professor Freshwater was awarded her PhD at the University of Nottingham and is a highly experienced and driven supporter of translational research and research-led teaching. Her contribution to the fields of Public Health (specifically Mental Health and Forensic Mental Health) and in researching Leadership practices won her the highest honour in her field - the Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing.

As an academic, Professor Freshwater has a background in mental health and has contributed to almost 200 publications, including books/chapters, peer-reviewed papers, research reports, editorials as well as media contributions, and continues to provide supervision to two PhD students. Professor Freshwater is a strong advocate for values led and inclusive leadership, about which she has also written and researched extensively.

Professor Freshwater’s research has focused on two key themes; these being psychological therapies research and offender health research. She has also developed a multi-disciplinary clinical academic research centre in practice.