Deakin appoints new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation

Professor Clarke has been Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) since the beginning of August and after the retirement of Alfred Deakin Professor Julie Owens.

Before acting as DVCR, Professor Clarke was Deakin’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Researcher Development, a role he has held since 2020. In 2019, Matthew was conferred as an Alfred Deakin Professor for an outstanding and sustained contribution to furthering the University’s research, scholarship and learning goals in international development studies.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said Professor Clarke would ensure Deakin’s Research portfolio continues to lift the University’s standing on a global stage while identifying and seizing new opportunities.

“With over two decades of experience in the international development sector, Professor Clarke is one of Australia’s leading scholars in development studies with an international reputation for his work on religion and development, Professor Martin said.

“He has led Deakin’s partnership with the Australian War College, which locates Deakin at the centre of the Defence Force’s education strategy for its senior leaders and co-established the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL), a joint collaboration with Save the Children Australia, which has attracted over $10 million in funding from philanthropic and Government donors.

“Professor Clarke has also served as chief investigator on various national Category 1 research grants valued at over $3 million, published over 120 academic journal papers or book chapters, authored eight books and edited another twelve.

“On behalf of the university community, I congratulate Matthew on his appointment and thank him for his strong performance and leadership as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research in recent months.”

Professor Clarke will formally commence as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation on 1 November 2023.