Adelaide University, created through a merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, officially opened its doors today, with Michelle Perugini in charge of commercialisation activities.
Perugini had served as the head of commercialisation at the University of South Australia since November 2024 and was also the chief executive officer of UniSA Ventures, the institution’s investment and IP management arm.
She took on her role as director of research translation and commercialisation at Adelaide University just before Christmas.
Perugini will be working under the leadership of pro vice chancellor Peter Murphy, who previously served as deputy vice chancellor for research and enterprise at the University of South Australia, and Anton Middelberg, the deputy vice chancellor for research and innovation, who had worked for the University of Adelaide in a similar capacity.
The past year has been one of significant change and challenge as we’ve navigated the university merger. It’s also been a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and shared purpose of the commercialisation teams coming together.
I’ve been continually impressed by the professionalism, generosity, and cohesion shown across both teams, a real testament to what’s possible when people are aligned around impact.
I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundations already in place, supporting our researchers, and helping turn world-class ideas into meaningful impact.
Michelle Perugini
Adelaide University has been putting in place leadership for a while. Michael Goodsite was promoted to pro vice chancellor, research services and infrastructure, at the University of Adelaide in July, ahead of becoming pro vice chancellor, research and infrastructure, at Adelaide University last month.
Not all headlines have been positive for Adelaide University. Among the controversies it has already weathered is the departure of Paula Ward, deputy vice chancellor for human resources. Ward was forced to resign in November after staff revolted over her claims that those working from home on Mondays and Fridays were getting four-day weekends.
