Former Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern GNZM, has joined the University of Sydney as a Professor of Practice, with her work to focus on the development of “empathetic leadership”, social cohesion and civic trust.
In a statement, the University said Dame Jacinda’s appointment would help to further developing new approaches to global and values-based leadership; as well as exploring new ways to address global health challenges centred on equity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Based in the University of Sydney School of Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, she will work closely with the Sydney Policy Lab and the office of the Vice-Chancellor on initiatives across the University.
She will engage with students, researchers and the wider University community through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring. The position is not a full-time teaching role.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Dame Jacinda Ardern to the University of Sydney – I have long admired the courage and humanity she brought to public life,” said University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott AO (pictured with Dame Jacinda).
“Dame Jacinda led New Zealand through events of profound consequence and her leadership demonstrated that empathy and resolve do not compete with one another; each can strengthen the other.
“For our students, the opportunity to learn from Dame Jacinda is exceptional, they will meet not only a former Prime Minister, but a thoughtful teacher with a great deal to share about public leadership and service.
“Her contribution will enrich our work in public health, public policy and across the University. We are proud Dame Jacinda has chosen to join the university, and I know our entire community will extend her the warmest of welcomes.”
Dame Jacinda said she was delighted to be joining the University of Sydney.
“I’ve found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office – and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside the brilliant students, faculty, and wider University of Sydney community, as we share experiences, explore and develop ways to better serve our communities, and help solve the issues facing so many today.”
Since leaving office in 2023, Dame Jacinda has held fellowships at Harvard University focused on public leadership and technology governance. In 2024, she joined the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government as a Distinguished Fellow and member of its World Leaders Circle. In 2024, she founded ‘Field’ a first of its kind fellowship programme for empathetic leaders.
She continues her work on eliminating violent extremism and terrorism online as Patron of the Christchurch Call, and works on the development of safe, people centred AI. She serves as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize, and Special Envoy to the COP Presidency for Oceania. Her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, was published in 2025.
The University’s Professors of Practice bring experienced practitioners into academic life, providing access to first-hand professional experience and create new links between research, policy and practice.
