Over recent weeks there have been a number of media articles published regarding the Vice-Chancellor's former role with Intel.
We issue this statement to provide clarity on the facts to The Australian National University (ANU) community of staff and students.
Professor Bell's previous role as Senior Fellow and Vice-President of Intel Corporation was well known and celebrated, and had been disclosed and approved under all relevant policies since she was first employed at ANU in 2017.
This includes under the requirements of the ANU paid outside work/52 day rule, the ANU disclosure of interest policy, and from 2021 onwards the ANU Council declarations and disclosure process. These disclosures to the ANU Council - which are formally considered and endorsed by the ANU Council - were first made in Professor Bell's capacity as a member of Councils' nominations sub-committee, and then as a member of Council as the University's 13th Vice-Chancellor and President.
Additionally, Professor Bell's role with Intel was extensively and positively considered by the Council's Vice-Chancellor Selection Committee, who unanimously recommended the appointment of Professor Bell. The role was also highlighted at the ANU Council meeting on the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor in September 2023.
We remain satisfied that Professor Bell's role with Intel was appropriate given the limited nature of the role and renumeration, the due diligence undertaken, and her ongoing commitment to abide by the disclosure requirements.
Vice-Chancellor Bell's association with Intel ended in November and she updated her disclosures accordingly.
The Hon Julie Bishop
Chancellor
Alison Kitchen AM
Pro-Chancellor
10 January 2025
