W100 Representative
Larissa BaiocchiHead of Communications
Larissa Baiocchi is a senior communications leader with over 15 years of experience across journalism, higher education, and public affairs. Currently serving as Head of Communications at UNSW Sydney, she leads a team responsible for shaping the university’s public narrative, managing reputation, and driving strategic engagement with media, stakeholders, and the broader community.
Larissa began her career in the United States as a newspaper journalist, where she spent nearly a decade reporting on public interest stories and developing a sharp editorial instinct. This foundation in journalism informs her approach to storytelling—grounded in clarity, authenticity, and impact. Her transition into institutional communications has seen her lead high-profile campaigns, navigate complex reputational challenges, and build trusted relationships across sectors.
At UNSW, Larissa plays a key role in aligning communications with the university’s strategic priorities, amplifying research impact, and fostering meaningful public dialogue. Her leadership style is collaborative and values-led, empowering teams to deliver creative, responsive, and high-quality communications in a fast-changing media landscape.
Established in 1949 with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines, University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a leading Australian university committed to making a difference through pioneering research and preparing the next generation of talented global citizens for career success.
University of New South Wales (UNSW) has a proud tradition of sustained innovation, focusing on areas critical to our future – from climate change and renewable energies to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. In the social sciences, UNSW research informs policy and expert commentary in key issues facing society ranging from human rights and constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to public health and population ageing.
UNSW offers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs. We attract talented students from across Australia and around the world. Our 50,000-plus students come from 128 countries, making us one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan universities. Our emphasis on quality continues to push up entry standards with record demand from the State’s top school leavers.
The main UNSW campus is located on a 38 hectare site at Kensington, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney. Other major campuses are Art & Design in Paddington and UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
The Latest from University of New South Wales
Yesterday, EU Energy Commissioner @KadriSimson and the Hon @BowenChris MP toured UNSW, including a visit to key energy R&D facilities in solar photovoltaics, green hydrogen and more.
We wrapped up the tour with a visit to the record-holding Sunswift Racing car! ☀️⚡️
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), sometimes known as ‘Harmony Day’ in Australia.
So why are they both on the same day? Here’s a 2 min history lesson. 👇
Find out more about inclusion and diversity at UNSW.
Cultural inclusion | Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - UNSW Sydney
UNSW Sydney boasts a multicultural campus environment with over 120 nationalities represented. We value this diversity ...
www.edi.unsw.edu.au
Australia is on the cusp of a brilliant future – but we need your help…!
UNSW, @Sydney_Uni and @ethics_centre have partnered up to propose a new, national Institute for Applied Ethics that will provide independent, expert advice on the profound ethical issues facing our nation.
We’re calling upon the Australian Government for a one-off $33.3 million investment in Australia’s future by supporting the proposed Australian Institute of Applied Ethics.
🔗 Pledge your support:
Homepage - The Ethics Institute
Australia's ethical infrastructure has been neglected. Support a national institute that will ensure better decision-making for the benefit of all.
ethicsinstitute.au
How researchers are helping to restore the waters of Sydney Harbour 🐟
💬 “It takes a certain amount of self-confidence to think, ‘Yeah, I might be wrong’ and ‘Why do I think that?’…”
UNSW A/Prof Michaelis Michael explains the markers of a bad faith argument – and how learning to argue better can make us better people.
How to have better arguments
A UNSW Sydney philosopher explains the markers of a bad faith argument and how learning to argue better can make us better people.
www.unsw.edu.au
If not friend, why friend shaped? 🤔
This juvenile platypus was rescued after noticing strange behaviour and an inability to dive.
After making sure he had no injuries and could display foraging behaviours, UNSW researchers from the @Platypus_CI released him back to the river.
The platy was able to enjoy some belly rubs, being too young to have venom in his spurs (and remember, this is an expert researcher - don't attempt to provide belly rubs to platys yourself).
📸: Dr Tahneal Hawke (@tahneal_hawke), Platypus Conservation Initiative, UNSW
Spot the difference 🔍
📸 UNSW Archives
When endangered species are seen struggling to survive it’s easy to assume they can be saved by giving them more of what they have now – but what if they could flourish with very different environments, foods and climates?
How palaeoconservation can rescue animals at the edge of existence
The distant past could provide clues to a species' immediate future.
www.unsw.edu.au
A fresh coat of rainbow must mean it’s @sydneymardigras season 🌈
Check out everything happening at UNSW throughout the festival 🔗 https://www.edi.unsw.edu.au/get-involved/mardi-gras
We are a powerhouse of cutting-edgeresearch, teaching and innovation
UNSW Australia is a founding member of the Group of Eight – a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities – and the prestigious Universitas 21 international network. We are the only Australian member of the Global Alliance of Technological Universities; a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU); and a partner of Coursera, the largest provider of MOOCs in the world. With internationally recognised and award-winning academic staff, we have an impressive standing in global league tables, achieving our highest ratings for research, innovation and facilities.
Mission and vision
- To be a world-class, world-changing university.
- To bring inspiring people together and create a world-class environment for learning and research, empowering staff and students alike to discover and share knowledge that can change the world.
Ranked in the top 1% of world universities
4,485
Higher degree research students
$550m
Annual research income
University of New South Wales (UNSW) has a strong reputation for research excellence. Through this excellence, the focus is on continuing to increase UNSW’s research contribution both regionally and globally.
At UNSW Sydney we are passionate about research, changing lives and achieving global impacts.
We strive to meet tomorrow’s challenges and are an acknowledged world leader in photovoltaics, HIV/AIDS research and quantum computing.
Our strengths:
- Biomedical sciences
- Water, climate, environment and sustainability
- Next generation materials and technologies
- Social policy, government and health policy
- ICT, robotics and devices
- Law, business and economics
- Fundamental and enabling sciences
- Contemporary humanities and creative arts
- Defence and security
Become a Member
The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.