Bebbington said today he would retire from his position on April 30 next year when he turns 65.

He advised the University Council of his decision today. While he was contracted until December 2017, “family circumstances had intervened to draw him away from Adelaide, and after protracted deliberation, he had decided he must put those first,” the university said in a statement.

Chancellor Kevin Scarce said Bebbington’s achievements included developing a “compelling strategic vision and a Campus Master Plan which will shape the University’s physical development for the next 20 years”.

“The Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building, to be opened in February, was developed on his watch,” Scarce said.

“Moreover, in a very competitive global environment, the University has risen strongly in all the key university rankings, student enrolments have been buoyant, and the financial position remains excellent.”

The council appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Brooks as interim vice-chancellor from 1 May 2017, with the university to undertake a global search for a new vice-chancellor early next year.

Bebbington was appointed the University of Adelaide’s 20th vice-chancellor in 2012.

Before joining Adelaide he was as a deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Melbourne.