Deakin appoints new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Deakin University has announced the appointment of Professor Lee Astheimer as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on the retirement of Professor David Stokes. Professor Astheimer, who is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Wollongong, will take up her appointment at Deakin in March 2009.

Deakin's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sally Walker, said: "We are very pleased to have someone of Professor Astheimer's experience and reputation to lead research at the University. She joins Deakin at an exciting time as the University continues to move confidently towards its goal to improve the University's research performance so that it is in the top third of the Australian higher education sector."

Professor Walker also acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Professor David Stokes, who will continue in a consulting role with Deakin.

Professor Astheimer said: "I am delighted to be appointed to Deakin. I look forward to helping Deakin to meet its goals of 'building a critical mass of researchers who will develop a distinctive, broad-based portfolio of high quality discovery, applied and commercial research.'"

Professor Astheimer received her BSc Hon. from Lakehead University, Ontario Canada and her PhD in Ecology from University California, Davis, USA. She has held academic positions at Rutger's University, New Jersey and the Universities of Tasmania and Wollongong.

Appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Wollongong in 2006, Professor Astheimer served as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) between 2007 and 2008, managing research policy, development, commercialisation and training. She is a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts.