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Professor Joanne Cys LFDIA, Hon FRAIA, is Provost & Chief Academic Officer at the University of South Australia.

As Provost, Joanne is responsible for enhancing UniSA’s educational offerings, providing an outstanding student experience, and planning and development of the University’s academic programs.

Joanne has extensive academic leadership experience and has held previous positions as Executive Dean, Pro Vice Chancellor, Head of School, and Dean: Academic. She has also been Deputy Chair of UniSA Academic Board.

In her field of design, Joanne’s research focuses on the disciplinary sociology and directions of interior design as an expansive field of practice and research. She also works in the applied areas of continuing professional education for design practitioners and education policy for the design profession.

Joanne is a Design Ambassador of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and an Ambassador of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI).

During 2019-2020 Joanne was co-chair of the IFI Design Education Policy Taskforce.

She has been co-chair of the Global Interiors Education Open Forum (2011-2015) and Executive Board Member of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (2011- 2014).

Joanne was National President of the Design Institute of Australia (2008-2010) and has been Australia's representative to the Global Design Network and the Asia Pacific Space Designers Alliance.

Her contributions to design education, policy and research have been recognised by her induction into Australia's Design Hall of Fame, selection as a South Australian Design Icon, Life Fellowship of the Design Institute of Australia, and Honorary Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Joanne has been the creative director for major practice-led design competitions and symposia at state, national and international level. She is a spokesperson at national and international conferences and is regularly invited to contribute to professional design journals. Joanne is highly engaged in national and international peak design bodies.

Joanne's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts (Interior Design), a Master of Architecture, and a PhD.