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The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) leads the development and delivery of initiatives that shape a distinctively ANU approach to learning—one that is future-focused, active, and engaging, and fosters an exceptional student learning experience. The PÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ works in close collaboration with College Deans, Associate Deans (Education), ANUSA, University and College student services, Information Technology Services, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

Associate Professor Merryn McKinnon is an expert in science communication, with a career spanning public, private, and not-for-profit sectors before entering academia. Her interdisciplinary expertise informs her strategic leadership in learning and teaching, curriculum development, and educational innovation.

Prior to this role, Merryn served as Associate Dean (Education) in the ANU College of Science and Medicine (2023 – 2025), the Associate Director of Science Education for the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (2020 – 2022) where she also convened both Honours and postgraduate programs. In her own teaching, Merryn employs experiential learning models that connect students with external partners and real world scenarios, enabling them to apply disciplinary knowledge in authentic contexts. Her research explores the relationship between science, media, and publics, with a particular focus on representations of science and issues of equity and inclusion. She is currently developing new work examining the communication of science in court room settings.