Steve Chapman, who has led the Scottish university since 2009, will start a five-year contract at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, in early 2015.

During his time at Heriot-Watt, Professor Chapman helped to improve its performance in the National Student Survey, taking it from 108th in 2009 to fifth in 2012.

He also oversaw the creation of the university¡¯s new ?35 million campus in Dubai, which opened in November 2011, while also picking up The Sunday Times¡¯ accolade of Best Scottish University in 2011-12 and 2012-13.

¡°I am immensely impressed by what I see at Edith Cowan University,¡± said Professor Chapman. ¡°It is an institution with excellent values, a clear identity and a strong vision for the future ¨C it will be an honour and a privilege to serve as the next vice-chancellor.¡±

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Edith Cowan¡¯s chancellor Hendy Cowan said Professor Chapman¡¯s appointment followed a global recruitment process that attracted a very strong field of candidates.

¡°His leadership and experience will be great assets to take ECU into this next phase of its development as a modern, innovative university,¡± he said.

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Established as a university in 1991, Edith Cowan is named after the first woman elected to the Australian parliament.

jack.grove@tsleducation.com