Dr Tim Flannery to join Macquarie University
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Tim Flannery |
High profile environmentalist, author and current director of the South Australian Museum Dr Tim Flannery will join Macquarie University's Division of Environmental and Life Sciences in August.
As a new professor, Flannery will build a research unit within the Division of Environmental and Life Sciences focusing on biodiversity, evolution and climate change.
His expertise will be a high-profile addition to Macquarie University's already strong interdisciplinary research capabilities in climate change and biodiversity.
Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University Professor Steven Schwartz is delighted with Flannery's appointment.
"Tim Flannery is one of Australia's most prominent scientists and conservationists, and he is also one of the country's foremost science communicators, with regular spots on ABC Radio, NPR, the BBC and the Documentary Channel," Schwartz said. "I am very pleased that he will be joining Macquarie University and adding to the wealth of teaching and research expertise in our Division of Environmental and Life Sciences."
Flannery has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and his popular books include The Future Eaters, The Eternal Frontier, Throwim Way Leg, A Gap in Nature and Astonishing Animals. His most recent book on climate change The Weather Makers is on the top of the best-selling list in several countries and recently won the NSW Premier's Literary Award for non-fiction.
As a field zoologist he has discovered and named more than 30 new species of mammals (including two tree-kangaroos) and at age 34 was awarded the Edgeworth David Medal for Outstanding Research.
Flannery spent a year as professor of Australian studies at Harvard University, where he taught in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. In Australia he is a leading member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, which reports independently to government on sustainability issues.
His current work concerns the history and global implications of climate change - why it's happening, how we know it's happening, and what we can do about it.
Flannery received a Centenary of Federation Medal for his service to Australian science and in 2002 was the first environmentalist to deliver the Australia Day address to the nation. In April 2005 he was honoured as Australian Humanist of the Year.
Flannery said that he has enjoyed building research and public programs at the South Australian Museum which, since its re-opening in 2000 has become the most successful museum in Australia.
In addition to his new role at Macquarie University, he has also accepted a role as adviser and ambassador on climate change to the Premier of South Australia Mike Rann.
He says he is looking forward to conducting climate change research at Macquarie University.
"Macquarie has a unique structure and a wealth of researchers across a number of disciplines that make it an ideal place for me to be," Flannery said.
Potential research students wishing to work in the area of climate change with Flannery and Macquarie's other eminent scientists should visit www.els.mq.edu.au/ Contact details for Flannery will be available on this site when he commences at the University on 1 August 2006.