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 The year
2005 will be remembered as a stellar year for the
University, set against a difficult policy, regulatory
and financial framework. Our staff, graduates and
students have marked out their University as an
institution of international excellence with achievements
including:
- a Nobel Prize for Professor Barry Marshall and his
research colleague Emeritus Professor Robin
Warren;
- the Award of Australian Life Scientist of the Year
to Professor Harvey Millar, with our graduate Associate
Professor Cameron Kepert (University of Sydney) named
Physical Scientist of the Year;
- a third prestigious Federation Fellowship, awarded
to Professor Mark Randolph;
- two new Premier's Research Fellowships: Professor
Klaus Regenauer-Lieb from Johannes Gutenberg
University, and Dr Ian Small, Head of the Plant
Genomics Research Unit at the National Institute of
Agricultural Research in France;
- an ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Energy
Biology;
- a Western Australian Premier’s Award for
Excellence to the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and
Dental Health;
- two finalists in the institutional categories of
the Australian Awards for Teaching;
- Professor Robert Stick awarded a Premier’s
Prize for tertiary science teaching; and Adjunct
Professor Graham Hall winning a Premier's Prize for
Early Career Achievement in Science;
- accolades for our graduates, winning two (out of
eight) General Sir John Monash Awards offered
nationally, two Rhodes Scholarships, and the Cornforth
Medal for the most outstanding PhD thesis in a branch
of chemistry, chemical science or chemical
technology;
- successful implementation of a new student record
system;
- the official opening of the new University Club and
new Molecular and Chemical Sciences building;
- the successful negotiation of the purchase of the
Claremont Campus of Edith Cowan University and the
exciting prospect of restoring the site of the former
Sunset Hospital;
- continued growth in competitive grant income from
both the ARC and the NHMRC; and
- excellent progress in fundraising, notably with the
new Business School campaign.
Throughout the year there were many other accolades
for staff and students across the full range of
discipline areas for achievement at local, national and
international levels. The work of outstanding academics
and dedicated professional staff reflects the larger
purpose of the University to serve the Australian and
wider global communities.
Throughout the year we also have had to respond to
major Federal Government policies, such as that
concerning workplace reform and the levying of student
amenities fees.
It is a credit to the staff of the University that
they have faced the hurdles put before them while still
contributing significantly to the growth and impact of
our performance and reputation.
We believe that national policy settings are going to
favour those universities that have a focus on quality,
research intensity and impact, and who build strong
relationships with other institutions as well as the
government, business and community sectors.
This provides affirmation of the direction currently
being pursued by our own University where quality is
paramount, where building our research capacity provides
direct and positive benefits for teaching and learning,
and where our external relationships are bringing
increasing benefits to the institution. This approach
also recognises the importance of our strategic
international links and collaborations—particularly
in China, Southeast Asia, the UK, Europe and North
America which support our University’s claims of
international excellence.
The University welcomed Dr Michael Chaney at the end
of 2005 as the new Chancellor of our University. Dr
Chaney’s reputation and experience as a leader both
in the private sector and through his contribution to
community organisations will contribute significantly to
the role of the University and its standing in the wider
community.
Dr Chaney accepted the position following the
appointment of Dr Ken Michael as Governor of Western
Australia. Dr Michael brought dignity, constancy and
supportive leadership to the University and Senate during
his term as Chancellor, and we wish him well in his new
role.
Professor Alan Robson AM,
Vice-Chancellor
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