The Australian Research Council (ARC) has appointed two Monash researchers to senior roles: Professor Christina Twomey as the ARC’s inaugural Chief Research Officer (CRO) and Professor Alison Ross to a 3-year term as Executive Director, Humanities and Creative Arts. In addition, seven Monash researchers have been invited to join the ARC College of Experts. Professor Twomey has been appointed as inaugural Chief Research Officer (CRO) on the basis of her extensive research leadership experience, impeccable academic credentials as a prize-winning historian and as an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. She previously held the role of Vice-President of Academic Board and Head of the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies in the Faculty of Arts. “The Chief Research Officer role is an exciting opportunity to drive a contemporary and collaborative relationship between the ARC and the diverse research sector. I look forward to providing strategic advice to the ARC and driving a process of continuous improvements in the ARC’s operations,” Professor Twomey said. Professor Alison Ross has been appointed to the role of Executive Director, Humanities and Creative Arts, which brings her disciplinary expertise to the operation and development of the National Competitive Grants Program. Prior to her appointment to the ARC, Professor Alison Ross had senior leadership experience on research matters through her time as Deputy Dean of Research in the Faculty of Arts, and as Academic Director Research in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research. Her research in philosophy is in the field of aesthetics and has been recognised with an ARC Future Fellowship. “I am excited to represent the humanities and creative arts fields on the ARC executive and will promote the importance of Australian research in these fields with purpose and integrity,” Professor Ross said. “In this role, I look forward to ensuring there are strong relationships between the research community and the ARC.” A further seven Monash academics have been appointed the the ARC College of Experts, where they will play a key role in national competitive grant assessments for ARC schemes. They join a further 11 currently serving College members at Monash across all disciplines. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Rebekah Brown, said the appointments will make highly valuable contributions to the Australian Research Council. “These appointments recognise the depth of expertise of Monash researchers and the strength of our partnerships with government, industry and the education sector. Congratulations to Professor Twomey and Professor Ross and everyone appointed to the ARC College of Experts,” Professor Brown said. Monash academics appointed to the ARC College of Experts in 2023:
Professor Alex Collie, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Associate Professor Olivia Khoo, School of Media, Film and Journalism
Professor Roger Pocock,BDI/Anatomy and Developmental Biology
Associate Professor Craig Smith, Anatomy and Developmental Biology
Professor Pushkar Maitra, School of Economics
Professor Alex Heger, School of Physics and Astronomy
Professor Tristan Kennedy, PVCI
The ARC is an Australian Government organisation that funds high quality research in order to grow knowledge and innovation for the benefit of the Australian community. The Council appoints top experts to lead engagement with researchers and universities and provide expert knowledge and advice to its operations.
