Curtin University's incoming vice-chancellor Deborah Terry aims to raise the university's research profile.

"Curtin University is very well placed and has ambition to become more research intensive," Professor Terry said. "I am very keen to lead it through its next stage."

The WA-born doctor of social psychology is presently University of Queensland's senior deputy vice-chancellor. Professor Terry's appointment at Curtin was announced yesterday and she will take up the position in February.

She said she was attracted to Curtin's reputation as an international leader in research.

Curtin University vice-chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket retired in August.

Professor Terry will move to WA with her husband in January, leaving her three children behind to complete their university studies.