In this conversation with The Insight Group, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her leadership, the progress of women in engineering, the future of universities, and why helping others succeed has been the most rewarding part of her career.
1
You have built an internationally recognised career in engineering and water research. Looking back, what experiences have shaped you most as a leader?
Without question, it's been the people I've worked with. I've been fortunate to have mentors who not only showed me what good leadership looks like, but also invested in my development and opened doors early in my career.
Two mentors stand out. One was incredibly influential as I was developing as a researcher, while the other helped shape my thinking about leadership in engineering. They both demonstrated a genuine commitment to their staff, invested in developing others and became role models for the kind of leader I wanted to be.
2
Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field. What progress have you seen for women in engineering during your career, and what still needs to change?
The change has been enormous. When I graduated at the top of my class at the University of Belgrade, I couldn't get an engineering job because I was a woman. Fortunately, I secured a junior research position at University of Belgrade, and that opened many opportunities.
Over my career I've seen the profession change dramatically. Today, young women entering engineering have opportunities that simply didn't exist when I started. In academia especially, we've come a long way. There are still challenges, particularly in some senior industry roles, but I think we're reaching a point where being a woman, or having an accent, shouldn't define your opportunities. That's where we should be aiming—to normalise inclusion rather than constantly talking about difference.
3
Much of your research has focused on water and sustainability. If you could solve one challenge facing the world's water systems tomorrow, what would it be, and why?
The greatest need is in the developing world. That's where the most significant water challenges exist, whether it's in parts of Africa or countries closer to Australia like Indonesia and Vanuatu, where I've worked extensively.
The solutions aren't just about technology—we already have many of those. The challenge is making them affordable and strengthening governance so they can be implemented effectively. In developed countries, climate change is driving more flooding and extreme events, and while we have engineering solutions, the real barrier is funding. Ultimately, solving these challenges requires both innovation and investment.
4
As you take on the role of Provost, what excites you most about the future of universities and the role they can play in addressing major global challenges?
Universities have an incredibly important role in shaping society through education, research and innovation. That's what excites me most. But to do that well, we first need strong institutions built on trust and excellence.
One of the biggest challenges facing universities is rebuilding trust—between leaders, academics and professional staff. In the early 2000's, while at Monash University, I saw what could be achieved when staff trusted executives and worked towards a shared purpose. The university executives must be willing to look inward, address our own challenges openly, and create a culture where honest dialogue is encouraged. If we get our organisations right, universities will be in the best position to help solve the major challenges facing society.
5
What achievement are you most proud of—not necessarily your biggest achievement, but the one that has had the greatest impact?
Without hesitation, it's seeing young academics succeed. That's why I moved into leadership. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing colleagues—particularly early career academics—win their first grant, receive their first award, or achieve something they didn't think was possible. Through leadership, you get to celebrate those successes many times over.
I'm equally proud of the opportunities universities create for students, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend university. Through outreach programs, scholarships and support, we can genuinely change people's lives. For me, that's what leadership in higher education is all about.
About Professor Ana Deletic
Professor Ana Deletic commenced this week as Provost at the University of Wollongong, following her tenure as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology. An internationally recognised engineer and researcher, she has held senior leadership roles at the University of New South Wales and Monash University and is regarded as one of the world's leading experts in urban water engineering and stormwater management.
