The Opening Address at SENCON 2026 – Belong will be delivered by Professor S Bruce Dowton, Vice Chancellor & President, Macquarie University.
Bruce Dowton joined Macquarie University in September 2012 as its 5th Vice-Chancellor. He is a paediatrician, geneticist, molecular biologist and leader. Previously Dowton served as a senior medical executive in university, healthcare and consulting settings. He also served as Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dowton has worked in many cultures and contexts across the globe with individuals, institutions and governments to improve health care and universities at many levels. Since 2012, Macquarie University has built global renown in education, discovery, healthcare delivery and innovation. In that time with >$1B investment, Macquarie campus is now a highly sought after destination as one of Australia’s most dynamic global university communities by students, staff and partner organisations alike.