Provost and Senior Vice President

Professor Robert Pike is the Provost and Senior Vice President at La Trobe University. An academic leader and internationally-recognised scientist, Professor Pike has extensive experience in leading change in the higher education sector.

Professor Pike specialises in developing multi-disciplinary research programs that have significant academic impact, outstanding industry engagement and real-world outcomes. In learning and teaching, he has expertise in creating strong undergraduate and postgraduate portfolios with a focus on integrated workplace learning and graduate employability.

In his current role, Professor Pike oversees 10 schools, across La Trobe’s multi-campus operations. He develops vision and strategy around contemporary research leadership, enhanced government and business partnerships, and management of physical, financial and human resources.

Prior to his appointment as University Provost, Professor Pike was Provost of the College of Science, Health and Engineering (2016 – 2021), Director of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science and Head of the School of Molecular Sciences at La Trobe University (2014-16); Head of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2006-11), Head of the School of Biological Sciences (2012), and Deputy Dean (Academic Planning) in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (2013-14) at Monash University. Professor Pike is also a biochemist specialising in the study of enzymes involved in innate immunity. He has published over 150 research papers and supervised over 20 PhD students to completion.