The Australian National University has recorded its worst ever result in the latest global academic rankings. While a slide down the Times Higher Education ladder is dramatic enough in isolation, this trajectory over almost a decade should make policymakers sit up and take notice.

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The institution has plummeted 30 places from its peak position of 47th in 2017 to 77th today. This tectonic shift coincides with a deeply troubled period in the university's history. It is the consequence of multiple systemic failures, not a statistical blip.

This downward trend accelerated during a chaotic era characterised by the grand vision of former chancellor Julie Bishop and former vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell.

They championed a leaner, meaner institution heavily reliant on attracting high-value international students. Instead, the university endured severe cost-cutting, governance controversies, and intense scrutiny over its campus culture. To be fair, reponsibility for the last of these has been largely accepted by Bell's predecessor, Professor Brian Schmidt.

The national tertiary regulator recently imposed specific conditions on the university over governance, culture, and conflict-of-interest failures. Furthermore, the Auditor-General found the administration's sweeping savings program lacked evidence of success.

Union representatives are right to say the ANU has rotted from the head with staff teaching students and carrying out quality research despite the actions........

© Canberra Times