16 Facts About Peter Rathjen

Peter Rathjen was the 22nd vice-chancellor of the University of Adelaide, from January 2018 through July 2020.

Peter Rathjen was previously the 19th vice-chancellor of the University of Tasmania from 2011 to 2017.

Peter Rathjen was educated at Blackwood High School in Adelaide.

Peter Rathjen studied Science at the University of Adelaide, majoring in biochemistry and genetics, and completing an honours degree.

Peter Rathjen was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to New College, Oxford in 1985.

Peter Rathjen was awarded a DPhil in 1987, and then worked as a postdoctoral researcher on embryonic stem cells from 1988 to 1990.

Peter Rathjen returned to the University of Adelaide, where he worked as lecturer in biochemistry from 1990 to 1995 and professor in biochemistry from 1995 to 2006.

Peter Rathjen was appointed to the chair of biochemistry in 1995.

Peter Rathjen became head of the department of molecular biosciences in 2000, and became foundation executive dean of the faculty of sciences in 2002, a role he kept until 2005.

Peter Rathjen was appointed dean of the faculty of science at the University of Melbourne in 2006; in 2008, he became dean of the graduate school of science, and from 2008 to 2011 he served as deputy vice-chancellor.

However, controversies during Peter Rathjen's vice-chancellorship included the use of university funds for what was perceived as "travelling the globe in style", spending $50,000 in less than 6 months.

In 2018, Peter Rathjen returned to the University of Adelaide in the roles of vice-chancellor and president, in succession to Mike Brooks.

In May 2020, Peter Rathjen commenced an indefinite leave of absence after University of Adelaide chancellor Kevin Scarce resigned without public explanation the previous day.

Peter Rathjen, accused of engaging in "a personal relationship with a staff member", was succeeded by acting vice-chancellor Mike Brooks.

Peter Rathjen formally resigned in July 2020, "due to ill health".

The ICAC Commissioner's damning findings against Peter Rathjen have put the University of Adelaide's culture under intense scrutiny in both the local and international media.