WSU research expertise recognised

Three researchers from Western Sydney University have been accepted into the Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts. Members of the college are selected based on their multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary expertise.

Professor Scott Holmes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Engagement, Development and International), says the appointments reflect the University’s continued history of impactful research.

“This success adds to Western’s continuing contribution to the advancement of knowledge and research innovation in Australia,” says Professor Holmes.

In 2018, Western Sydney University will be represented by:

  • Professor Andrew Francis (School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics)
  • Professor Jane Ussher (Translational Health Research Institute)
  • Professor Vivian Tam (School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics)

They will join existing Western ARC College of Expert members:

  • Professor Donald McNeil (Institute for Culture and Society)
  • Professor Ned Rossiter (Institute for Culture and Society)

During their appointment the successful candidates will have a key role in: assessing and ranking ARC grant applications; making funding recommendations; recruiting and assigning assessors; and providing strategic advice to the ARC on emerging disciplines and cross-disciplinary developments.

Professor Vivian Tam says being accepted into the College was a great honour, and she is looking forward to using her expertise to help improve research communities in Australia. Professor Jane Ussher says she was very pleased to be one of two women from Western appointed.  

“Ensuring equality of gender representation is an important principle for both the ARC and Western,” says Professor Ussher.

For Professor Andrew Francis, the appointment was a “humbling honour”.

“I am very much looking forward to being part of the College, and learning from the experience and wisdom of the others. Having five Western College appointees in 2018 indicates an understanding of our growing maturity, with research strengths across a broad spectrum of fields,” he says.

Ends

25 October 2017

Emma Sandham, Senior Media Officer