History

The group has been operating as an informal network of vice-chancellors since 1994. It was formally incorporated in September 1999.

From 2000 to 2007 the Go8's executive director was Ms Virginia Walsh and the secretariat was located in Manuka, Canberra.

In 2007, Ms Walsh retired and Michael Gallagher became the second Go8 executive director. The secretariat moved to its current premises in Turner, Canberra, in December 2007.

The Chair of the Go8 Board rotates every two years. Previous Go8 Chairs are: Professor Glyn Davis AC (2005-2007), Professor Ian Chubb AC (2003-2005), Professor Alan Gilbert AO (2003), Professor John Hay AC (2001-2003) and Professor Gavin Brown AO (1999-2001).

Secretariat

The Go8 secretariat, located in Canberra, Australia’s national capital, works to maximise the potential for collaboration in a competitive environment, adding value for individual universities and for Australia through:

Influencing national policies for higher education and university research

Providing high quality policy analysis and advice services to its members & their staff

Facilitating collaboration

Developing international strategic alliances & networks

Sustaining quality brand recognition

Benchmarking for performance improvement

Offering a trusted network through which ideas & expertise are shared among the leaders of Go8 universities

Building community support for research universities

The Go8 office in Canberra offers meeting rooms and office facilities to senior staff of Go8 member universities, members of Go8 committees, international partner organisations and student organisations conducting business in Canberra. Please contact the Go8 Office Manager on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Contact Us

The Group of Eight Ltd

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