Embattled Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has resigned from her role.

The decision to step down follows a tumultuous year for the university marked by cost-cutting, allegations of bullying and proposed course changes.

The prestigious position resulted in the professor receiving a starting salary exceeding $1.1 million last year; however, she agreed to a 10 percent salary reduction in December as the institution initiated an extensive cost-cutting strategy.

Union members have previously voiced their support for a vote of no confidence against Bell and Chancellor Julie Bishop.

Bishop’s role came under scrutiny when former ANU council member Liz Allen accused Bishop of bullying during a senate inquiry.

The chancellor denied any wrongdoing, saying she had never heard of the allegations before they were aired last month.

The university formed a group to oversee an investigation into the incident.

Bell said the university still had “more work to do” in order for the institution to “thrive into the future”.

“I don’t want to stand in the way of that,” she said.

Bell mentioned her intention to take a break, including time for study leave, before coming back to the university as a renowned professor in the cybernetics school.