Professor Nixon holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from Sheffield University. A technologist and computer scientist, Professor Nixon was previously the Vice-Chancellor of the multi-campus Ulster University in Northern Ireland. No stranger to Australian shores, he moved to Tasmania in 2010 where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research — delivering significant growth in both rankings and research funding—before returning to the United Kingdom.

Professor Nixon has a deep understanding of the nexus between industry and university research having had significant industrial and commercial experience through collaborations with INTEL, Microsoft Research, HP, Oracle and IBM as well as being involved in start-ups and establishing the Irish national early-stage technology incubator.

He is deeply committed to the civic obligations of a university and recognises the critical and unique role the University of Canberra plays in the ACT. Professor Nixon believes that modern universities need meaningful engagement with their students, their staff, industry partners and the community to deliver consistent and compelling impact.