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 plum role saw the professor earn a starting salary of more than $1.1 million last year before she took a 10 per cent pay cut in December as the institution planned a sweeping cost-cutting program.

Bell said the decision to resign was "not easy" as the university was a "special place" for her.

"Like the rest of our community, I believe firmly in our delivering on our national mission, to create and transmit knowledge through research and teaching of the highest quality," she said in a statement.

"And know that doing this requires a soli

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