Top independent researchers drawn together in new Academy

A group of Murdoch’s top researchers gathered in the Banskia Restaurant in early March to launch the Academy of Advanced Studies, Murdoch University’s latest research initiative.

The Academy of Advanced Studies was developed to provide appropriate support and recognition for researchers working on their own or in small groups. Inaugural membership of the Academy includes social scientists, psychologists, law researchers, cultural experts and physicists.

“The formation of Areas of Research Strength three years ago was an important development for our University, providing focus and critical mass for our researchers. At the time it was realized that not all our best researchers would be assimilated into this program, and we felt it was important to provide an environment for independent researchers who had demonstrated great scholarship in research and research training,” said Pro Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Andris Stelbovics.

Each member met a stringent set of research performance criteria including the ability to win external research grants, contribute to research publications and books, undertake research student supervisions and supervise research students to completion.

Members of the Murdoch University Research and Development Board developed the guidelines and initial recommendations for Academy members. “Members of the Academy comprise the best researchers outside the designated Areas of Research Strength at Murdoch. A special vote of thanks for the instigation of this initiative must go to Professor Valerie Alder. It was with her foresight that the need to acknowledge and support our best smaller group researchers was realised with the formation of the Academy,” said Murdoch Vice Chancellor, Professor John Yovich.

Inaugural Academy Members:

• Associate Professor Tara Brabazon
• Professor Igor Bray
• Dr Tony Buti
• Associate Professor Peter Drummond
• Professor Mike Durey
• Associate Professor Laurence Hartley
• Dr Valerie Hobbs
• Associate Professor Lenore Layman
• Professor Bill Loader
• Dr Jim Macbeth
• Associate Professor Sam Makinda
• Emeritus Professor Horst Ruthrof
• Professor Andris Stelbovics
• Senior Lecture Dr Michael Sturma
• Associate Professor Gary Wickham