Staffing in a Steady State 1

This article is part of a long‐term study of change in the office and role of vice‐chancellor in Australian universities. Data derived from a social characteristics profile of 46 Australian vice‐chancellors in office in the years 1983, 1973, and 1963 forms a background to the focus of the paper: This presents an interpretative perspective on why scientists have been appointed vice‐chancellor in increased number in Australia as in the U.K. A decline in students enrolling in science until 1983 and the accepted pattern of much scientific teaching and research are included in the explanation. Further research will be required to test whether scientists predominate in vice‐chancellorial appointments made during 1986.