Western Sydney University appoints new Dean of Psychology

Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Gabrielle Weidemann as the new Dean of the School of Psychology.

Serving as the Interim Dean of the School since January 2025, Professor Weidemann will formally take up the position of Dean on 13 July 2026 following a competitive international recruitment strategy.

A leading expert on the contribution of cognition and experience to the learning and expression of automatic behaviours and decision-making, Professor Weidemann completed her undergraduate degree and PhD in Psychology at the University of New South Wales.

Commencing as a Senior Lecturer at Western in 2010, Professor Weidemann has undertaken varied leadership opportunities including being the leader of the Foundational Processes of Behaviour Research group, the Chair of the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee, as well as being the Health and Wellbeing Research Theme Champion.

She has also previously secured a competitive Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship to examine the role of cognition in human eye blink conditioning.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Sarah Lewis, warmly welcomed Professor Weidemann to her role.

“It is an exciting time for the School of Psychology and the Faculty of Health, and I am certain that Gabrielle’s leadership will further strengthen its impact and industry engagement,” Professor Lewis said.

“Gabrielle’s passion for psychology, the Western student community and a commitment to a One Western approach to deliver our Western 2030 strategic plan is inspiring. I wish her all the best for her formal Deanship, acknowledging her excellent work already as Interim Dean.”

Excited to officially assume the role, Professor Weidemann will build upon her strong connection to Western Sydney University, the region and psychological sciences, with a wealth of experience in higher education, including a strong interest in student equity and retention.

“I am looking forward to leading the School of Psychology through an exciting period of change as the higher education pathway to registration as a psychologist is being reviewed and we have a once in a generation opportunity to transform the way we educate future psychologists and psychological scientists,” said Professor Weidemann.

“We have an outstanding group of academic and professional staff who are committed to supporting students, providing them with engaging and inspiring educational experiences, conducting impactful research, and providing much needed psychological services to the communities in Western Sydney.”

ENDS.

13 July 2026
Media Unit