New Dean of Science
Highly distinguished geneticist Professor Merlin Crossley has been appointed Dean of Science at UNSW.
Published on the 18 Sep 2009
Professor Merlin Crossley has been appointed the new Dean of Science at UNSW.
Currently a Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Sydney, Merlin will take up the position in January 2010.
"Professor Crossley is a highly distinguished scientist with a record achievement as an academic leader and administrator," said UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer.
"I am confident that under his leadership the Faculty will build on its strengths, in both research and teaching, and set new directions for the future."
Merlin has previously served as Sydney University's Acting Dean of Science, Director of Research in the University's College of Sciences and Technology, and most recently, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research.
"Science is critically important to the world in the 21st century with universities playing a vital role in fostering scientific discovery and the spread of knowledge," Professor Crossley said.
"I am delighted to be joining a university that has such strong foundations in science and look forward to working with all the faculties to help build further an institution that has contributed, and will continue to contribute, so much to our society."
Merlin completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne, majoring in genetics and microbiology. He was awarded a Rhodes scholarship and following a post-doctoral period at Oxford, took a research position at Harvard Medical School. Returning to Australia, he joined the University of Sydney and established a laboratory investigating DNA-binding molecules and gene control.
His research has been recognised with several awards, including the Australian Academy of Science's Gottschalk Medal, the Royal Society of NSW's Edgeworth David Medal, and the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Roche Medal.
Professor Ian Dawes will continue as Acting Dean until the end of the year. "Our thanks go to him for his valuable work in this role," the Vice-Chancellor said.
Media contact: Judy Brookman | 9385 3549 | 0421 061 251 | j.brookman@unsw.edu.au