Looking back to go forwards: The top 50 most influential in higher education

OUR Top 50 "most influential people" in higher education is forward-looking - those who will shape tertiary education this year and beyond.

LET'S just agree on one thing: any list is going to be contentious.

Our Top 50 "most influential people" in higher education is meant to be forward-looking - those who will shape tertiary education this year and beyond.

And in order to look forwards, sometimes you need to look back.

Bruce Chapman has been named the most influential.

Who do you think should be on our top 50? Have your say below.

He is most famous for the extraordinary policy epiphany in the 1980s that became HECS.

It revolutionised access to and funding of higher education. It endorsed a user-pays principle, but in a brilliant twist ensured there was no disincentive to enrolling due to a delayed payment system linked to salary and collected through the tax office. Sheer genius.

Chapman is back in the news as Julia Gillard (No 2) looks to introduce a similar scheme for vocational diplomas.

In a similar vein, John Dawkins (16), Kim Carr (9), Mike Rann (34) and Peter Beattie (31) will all continue to pack a punch long after their stars have waned.

The list works on the notion influence is different to, and more subtle than, power. Sure, several have both: Gillard, Glyn Davis (3), Chris Eccles (35), Michael Chaney (41). The list was decided by the journalists and editors who write for HES. Any bias reflects people we engage with, of which most speak their minds.

It has been debated, disputed, disassembled and reassembled over recent weeks. We know it will spark debate and would appreciate it if you, the readers, contribute your own list and comment below.

1. Bruce Chapman Researcher, consultant, reformer
2. Julia Gillard Prime Minister
3. Glyn Davis Vice-chancellor, University of Melbourne
4. Rob Oakeshott Independent MP
5. Ian Chubb Chief scientist
6. Simon Marginson Professor of higher education
7. Denise Bradley Consultant
8. Nitin Garg Murdered ex-student
9. Kim Carr Ex-Research Minister
10. Bruce Mackenzie CEO, Holmesglen TAFE
11. Chris Evans Tertiary Education Minister
12. Brian Schmidt Nobel laureate, Professor of astrophysics
13. Greg Craven Vice-chancellor, Australian Catholic University
14. Phil Baty Rankings editor, Times Higher Education
15. Jane Lomax-Smith Author, base funding review
16. John Dawkins Zealous reformer
17. Peter Coaldrake Vice-chancellor, Queensland University of Technology
18. Carol Nicoll TEQSA chief
19. Bob Birrell Immigration researcher
20. Fred Hilmer Vice-chancellor, University of NSW
21. Margaret Shiel Former head ARC
22. Milly Shanahan First-year student
23. Richard James Higher ed researcher
24. Robin Shreeve Head, Skills Australia
25. Kwong Lee Dow Consultant
26. Chris Bowen Immigration minister
27. Leesa Wheelahan Vocational education researcher
28. Sandra Harding Vice-chancellor, James Cook University
29. Gavin Moodie Analyst and commentator
30. Michael Gallagher Executive Director, Go8
31. Peter Beattie Former Premier, Queensland
32. Rod Jones CEO, Navitas
33. Alfred Nobel Inventor and founder of the Nobel Prize
34. Mike Rann Former premier, SA
35. Chris Eccles Head, Premier and Cabinet, NSW
36. Graeme Hugo Professor of demographics
37. Andrew Norton Analyst and thinker
38. David Phillips Adviser
39. Chuck Feeney Philanthropist
40. Bruce Baird Reviewer of international education
41. Michael Chaney Chancellor, University of Western Australia, business
42. Tom Karmel Managing director, National Centre for Vocational Education Research
43. Michael Knight Reviewer of visas for international students
44. Geoffrey Garrett Business dean
45. Phil Honeywood Lobbyist, international education
46. Mary Kelly Equity expert
47. Pablo Picasso Dead painter
48. Robert French Former federal court judge
49. Adam Spencer Radio host
50. Claire Field Head, ACPET