Lumen Spring 2021 - Flipbook - Page 4
P
eter Høj is known today as one of
Australia’s most experienced university
leaders and the only current ViceChancellor to have been in charge
of three universities. But for the Danish-born
Vice-Chancellor, who originally made his mark
in biochemistry and wine science, the climb was
never the goal.
“I’ve always been driven by the desire to do
meaningful work, conducting and enabling
research and education that society genuinely
needs,” he said.
The seeds were sown early. “In Denmark,
where I grew up, I did my Master’s research
with Carlsberg, one of the largest brewers in the
world. So although I was involved in fundamental
research there, without exception it was defined
by industry need.
“I’ve felt that connection acutely ever since.”
Indeed, it was industry connection that first
attracted him to Adelaide. When Peter
interviewed for the Professor of Viticulture
position here at the University of Adelaide in
1994, the then Faculty of Agriculture Executive
Dean Harold Woolhouse’s vision to collaborate
with the South Australian Research and
Development Institute (SARDI) inspired him
to accept the role.
“That and the Australian Wine Research
Institute’s co-location on campus,” Peter said.
“They were the outlets through which I could
see my research being tangible in society.”
He started at the University of Adelaide in
January 1995, arriving with his wife Dr Robyn van
Heeswijk who had also won a position here as a
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
senior lecturer in horticulture, and their two
children, Torbjørn and Stine, aged 11 and nine.
Twenty-four months later, two momentous things
happened. One, Peter was offered, and accepted,
the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)
Managing Director and CEO role, while
continuing with the University part-time as a
Professor of Oenology. “I learnt to lead at AWRI.
And because it has no recurrent funding, the
experience cemented my understanding that, to
survive, your work has to be valued outside the
organisation.”
The second major event was devastating: Robyn
was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It
was the beginning of a six-year fight. In 2001 she
resigned to focus on treatment, but tragically died
in 2003.
Coping as a parent during Robyn’s illness and
after her passing was difficult for Peter. “But I was
fortunate that my children were very adaptable
and supportive,” he said. Returning
daily to the same workplace, however, made moving
on impossible. In Peter’s words, he needed
a circuit-breaker; and in 2004 one came, again
through his keen appreciation of the research–
society nexus.
Having joined the Prime Minister’s Science
Council in 1998 his views made an impression on
many in government. Consequently, when
inaugural Chief Executive of the Australian
Research Council (ARC) Professor Vicki Sara
retired, Peter was encouraged to apply for the
position.
“I talked to my children, who were both studying
at the University of Adelaide by then, and
