Victoria University to benefit from million-dollar investment in women's sport

Women’s sport is set to benefit from a $1 million investment by philanthropist Dr Susan Alberti that will see the establishment of The Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair – with Victorian University’s Professor Clare Hanlon taking the inaugural position.

Professor Hanlon is renowned for her commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in sport and sport participation while Dr Alberti has a long and proud connection with Victoria University, which awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2016.

The announcement coincides with the launch of the Victoria University Sports Strategy: From Grassroots to Elite.

Focusing on seven key areas, this new strategy contributes to building a more active Australia, achieving national sporting excellence, safeguarding the integrity of sport and strengthening the over-all sporting industry.

The strategy will continue to build VU’s global reputation across research, teaching, learning and engagement by actively pursuing the following goals:

• Promoting the connection between active living and overall health and wellbeing through encouraging all Australians to embrace and participate in regular physical activity

• Fostering international sport university partnerships including with Beijing Sport University, German Sport University, Real Madrid Graduate School, Auckland University of Technology and Loughborough University in the United Kingdom

• Shaping the future of sport by championing women in sport and ensuring that women have the same opportunities as men in sport participation and leadership.

As one of Australia’s leading sport universities with an international reputation in sport teaching, research and industry engagement, Victoria University is ranked at number 12 Shanghai Global Rankings for Sport Science.

Both Dr Alberti’s significant investment and the new strategy highlight VU’s commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience and leading the way in sports education.

Professor Peter Dawkins AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Victoria University, said of the new position “together Dr Alberti and Professor Hanlon, who was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2018, are champions of change.

“Together they make a unique team and this new position, along with the expertise, research and globally ranked reputation of the University, and our industry collaborators, makes a strong formula to create organisational change and community impact to advance women in sport."

Both Dr Alberti and Professor Hanlon expressed their passion for women's participation in sport.

Dr Alberti stated “everyone knows I’m passionate about sport as a way for women to make our community more cohesive and improve health outcomes. This is partly why I decided to invest one million dollars in establishing The Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair at Victoria University. My donation will establish a professional Chair and research program in Women in Sport – building on the knowledge and expertise that has made Victoria University renowned for sports science and physical activity.”

Professor Hanlon added “I am humbled and excited by this opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in a range of sectors, globally and locally, alongside the global thought leaders at Victoria University, to provide evidence that will translate into impact, curriculum that will translate into job-ready students, and engagement that will help Australia succeed in sport, particularly for women.”

Click here to view the document Victoria University Sports Strategy: From Grassroots to Elite.

Image: Dr Susan Alberti with Professor Clare Hanlon today.