Professor Dodds, who was Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Industry Engagement) at La Trobe for five years and is now an Emeritus Professor with the University, joins the nine-member board announced by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare today.

The ARC Board will make independent decisions about the distribution of $800 million in university research grants each year grants within the National Competitive Grants Program.

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the new Board was an important step in ensuring fair and robust funding of university research.

"Government funding is extremely important to enable vital research projects that have national and global significance for some of the world's most pressing issues," Professor Farrell said.

"I congratulate Professor Shergold and Professor Dodds on their appointment and look forward to working with the ARC Board on future research applications."

Professor Farrell said Professor Dodds' appointment was recognition of her impressive track record, with impactful outcomes, as a senior research leader in the Australian academic community.

Following the review, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare announced the Government would improve the governance of the ARC and strengthen the integrity of the decision-making processes.