Monash University appoints world-renowned leader as new Dean of Science
A prominent scientist who has successfully led a 400-strong team at one of the world’s highest ranked universities has been appointed as Monash University’s Dean, Faculty of Science, following an extensive global search.
Professor Jordan Nash joins Monash from Imperial College, London – ranked eighth in the latest Times Higher Education World University rankings – where he is currently Head of the Department of Physics. An experimental particle physicist for more than 25 years, Professor Nash also leads significant global scientific collaborations including at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research that operates the world’s largest physics laboratory).
As well as pioneering a successful new research strategy for the Department of Physics at Imperial College, Professor Nash has fostered an environment aiming to significantly advance women's representation in teaching and research and supported initiatives such as a highly successful Industry Club to build commercial partnerships.
President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Professor Margaret Gardner AO said the appointment of Professor Nash as Dean of the Faculty of Science would greatly advance the University’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research:
“In recent years Monash has achieved international recognition for helping to solve some of the great scientific challenges of the age through initiatives such as the Eliminate Dengue Project and its role in the discovery of gravitational waves,” Professor Gardner said.
“Professor Nash has an outstanding record for leading international projects across multiple disciplines and his appointment to the Faculty of Science will further enhance its ability to develop research and education that contributes to transforming our understanding of and impact on our world."
Professor Nash said it was a privilege to be asked to lead Monash’s Faculty of Science:
“Investment in Science has enabled the Faculty to increase its outstanding portfolio of activities and attract world class talent,” Professor Nash said.
“I look forward to working with the Faculty to support it in continuing to bring in top researchers and students pushing the boundaries of our scientific knowledge, and contributing to solving the challenges which are facing our society today."
Professor Nash is involved in a number of major global, multi-disciplinary research projects, including leading an £11 million industry partnership in Proton Beam Therapy research. He played a key role in the upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid for the Large Hadron Collider (at CERN) and in collaborating on the COMET Experiment at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex.
Professor Nash achieved a PhD in Physics from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with Honours from Carnegie-Mellon University, USA.
With more than 1100 publications to his name, Professor Nash has been the principal investigator on £16 million worth of research grants. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.
Professor Nash will commence in July 2017.