Professor Calford has been key in the university’s $300 million northern transformation and efforts to redevelop the Launceston campus into a university city during his four years at the university.

“It has been a great honour to serve as Provost here at a time the University has chosen to adopt a vital social mission,” Professor Calford said. 

“Of course, such projects are bigger than any one person, but it has been deeply rewarding having played a part in that.

“The University is poised for a very bright future and I will be watching with great interest in the years ahead.”

Professor Calford’s appointment to the prestigious ANU role was met with “a mix of deep gratitude and pride” by UTAS Chancellor Michael Field.

“That Mike has been appointed as the chief academic officer at arguably the most academically prestigious university in the country is a reflection of the calibre of both him as an academic, of our university’s national standing and a ringing endorsement of our strategic intent in recent years,” Chancellor Field said.

“Mike’s appointment here was designed to support our goal to position the University of Tasmania as one of the world’s best – in both teaching and research – and he has delivered on both fronts.”

Professor Calford previously held senior leadership roles at the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong. 

His stepping away from UTAS follows the recent appointment of Professor Rufus Black as UTAS Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Calford will act as Vice-Chancellor until March, when Professor Black begins his new role, and will leave for Canberra soon after.