Professor Hurriyet Babacan has a distinguished career over the last 25 years with a proven track record of achievement in senior leadership and strategic management roles in education, public policy, public-private partnerships and regional development. She has a distinguished record in scholarship in research, teaching and learning and community and professional service. She has held senior roles in higher education, public administration, and research and training such as Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic and Research), Dean, Head of School and Director of research Institutes. She was the Foundation Director of the Cairns Institute (2009-2012) and Director of the Institute for Community, Engagement and Policy Alternatives at Victoria University. In the public sector she brings extensive background in leading whole of government policy and programs in roles she has had such as Victorian Manager, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Executive Director Community Outcomes Branch in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Commissioner with the inaugural Multicultural Commission and CEO of Tablelands Regional Council. She has been a consultant to government major infrastructure projects,  strategic development, leadership development and program development delivery.

 Professor Babacan brings extensive track record regional development advocacy for economic and social development issues.  She is well linked with the Asia Pacific and has worked with bodies such as UNESCO, UNDP and OECD and international governments. Professor Babacan has been recognised for her work through a number of awards including the Order of Australia 2014 (AM) for outstanding contribution, as academic and author, and for furthering multicultural community, education and social policy development; Bi-Centenary Medal awarded by the Prime Minister, 2002 and the Multicultural Services Award by the Premier of Queensland. Hurriyet was the Queensland State Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Award in the for Community and Public Service category in 2003. Professor Babacan name has been listed in the Australian Women’s Archives as recognition of women leaders who have contributed to Australia.