Monash University Professor joins the Australian Research Council
Prize-winning Monash University historian Professor Christina Twomey has been appointed to the Australian Research Council (ARC) as a new Executive Director.
Professor Twomey will start the three-year position as Executive Director, Humanities and Creative Arts for the ARC in January 2023. She will work with the research community and contribute her expertise to inform ARC programs, policies, and peer review processes.
The ARC is a Commonwealth entity that supports the highest-quality fundamental and applied research and research training.
The Professor of History in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University is delighted to join the ARC and share her extensive experience in executive management, research leadership and mentoring.
“The ARC is an essential element of Australia's research infrastructure. I am excited to ensure that the Humanities and Creative Arts are represented with integrity and efficacy on the ARC executive,” Professor Twomey said.
“Through this appointment, I will ensure there are strong, confident relationships between the research sector and the ARC.”
Professor Twomey is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, and has held visiting Professorships at the University of Copenhagen and Kyushu University.
Professor Twomey completed a term as Monash University Head of the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies at the end of 2021. During her time as Head, she was a member of the ARC College of Experts.
Professor Twomey wrote The Battle Within: POWs in postwar Australia, winner of the 2018 NSW Premier's Prize for Australian History, and is also a previous winner of the Frederick Watson Fellowship from the National Archives of Australia. Her research has received funding from the ARC through the Discovery, Linkage and Future Fellowship schemes.
Monash University's Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Katie Stevenson, congratulated Professor Twomey on her appointment.
“Professor Twomey is a distinguished academic leader, prize-winning historian and teacher, who will bring a wealth of experience to the ARC,” the Dean said.
“She will play a valuable role liaising with the research community and contributing her expertise to inform ARC programs, policies and peer review processes.
“While Monash University will miss Professor Twomey greatly, her appointment is a marvellous opportunity for the Australian research community to benefit from her expertise.”