Four of our exemplary researchers have been accepted into the ARC College of Experts in recognition of their international standing and influential contributions within their fields. As members of this prestigious committee they will be expected to guide the development of knowledge and invention in Australia.

“The acceptance of these four researchers to this distinguished panel demonstrates the high calibre of academics at Macquarie,” says Professor Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

“These experts will complement the College of Experts committee by bringing a rich and established knowledge of their respective fields, which is a knowledge that has been cultured by the longstanding research excellence of our academic community,” he added.

Successful applicant Professor Denise Meyerson, from the Macquarie Law School, hopes to be able to do great things in her new role.

“It is a great honour to be appointed to the ARC College of Experts and I am very much looking forward to making a contribution to advancing Australian research via the National Competitive Grants Programme in the area of humanities and the creative arts,” she says.

Members of the committee are expected to assess grant applications, make funding recommendations, and provide strategic advice to the ARC in order to achieve a thorough and fair research funding process and ensure Australia’s research community remains at the forefront of innovation.

“Australia is world-renowned for the quality and impact of its research. Through my role on the College of Experts I hope to strongly support Australian research,” says an excited Professor Marie Herberstein, from the Department of Biological Sciences.

Candidates for the ARC College of Experts are selected not only for their experience, but also for their cross- and multi-disciplinary expertise. There are only 170 current members in the College, and with eight members from Macquarie, it’s no wonder the application process is highly competitive.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with researchers from other disciplines, learn about Australia’s top research projects and have input into funding decisions,” says successful applicant Professor Jennie Hudson from the Centre for Emotional Health and the Department of Psychology.

All the successful applicants agree that their acceptance onto the committee spells good things for our research community. Professor Julie Fitness, from the Department of Psychology, hopes her successful nomination will help her to help others within the research community at Macquarie.

“The better we understand the current research funding context, the better equipped we are to improve the quality of our own applications and to enhance our chances of successful funding outcomes in the future,” says Julie.

Learn more about Julie,  Marie, Jennie and Denise.