25 July 2014
The University of South Australia has appointed Professor Pat Buckley to lead support and engagement for research students across the University as the new Dean of Graduate Studies.
In her new role she will be responsible for developing a networked, engaged and supportive environment for students completing higher degrees by research.
Prof Buckley has been Director of the Sansom Institute for Health Research and Dean Research in the Division of Health Sciences at UniSA and has been a member of the University Council since 2011.
A biochemist-turned-physiologist, Prof Buckley has initiated and led many improvements in research training here and elsewhere. At UniSA, she also has led researcher development across the university, working closely with staff and students to enhance and support their research capacity.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Prof David Lloyd says Prof Buckley will be taking on a pivotal role in building the research engagement and capacity of the University through its PhD cohort.
“We have a clear strategy for the future that focusses on making links locally and globally between research and industry and ensuring that our PhD students are equipped to bring the outcomes of their work into the real world.
“Pat’s experience, through her work with early career researchers and her role in research leadership development at UniSA and her broad knowledge of both the opportunities and obstacles in the modern research environment, equip her perfectly for this position and I’m delighted to welcome her to the role.”
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Prof Richard Head says Prof Buckley’s close experience with UniSA’s research community will be invaluable as the University sets about a transformation of its PhD.
“As we have outlined in our strategic plan, Crossing the Horizon, we want to transform the PhD at UniSA to ensure our researchers have the skills they will need for success.
“That will include incorporating coursework and transferable skills components, establishing supervisory panels and practice-based dissertation committees and the introduction of a video defence of theses which will draw participation from international researchers.
“Pat will play a leadership role in that transformation and become a champion for the next generation of UniSA’s industry-informed and globally-engaged PhDs.”
Prof Buckley says she is pleased to be taking on such an important role in research at an exciting phase of the University’s development.
“We have talented staff and students doing research at UniSA and ambitious plans for research education at the University,” Prof Buckley says.
“I’m delighted to be taking on a leading role in that endeavour. What I want for our students is that they experience their postgraduate time with us as a meaningful, positive and inspiring basis for all their future career contributions.”
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli office: 08 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: Michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
